Creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable company aligns with the values of employee ownership and contributes to an improved workplace environment. Employee-owned companies strive to create workplaces where people feel welcomed, included, respected, and heard. People will contribute their best and will be more likely to think and act like owners when they are in this kind of work environment.

This article provides definitions for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the benefits of prioritizing DEI, and suggestions for how to get started, or continue these efforts for employee-owned companies.