What is DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging)?

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is a framework that encourages a community where all groups experience equal opportunity, a sense of inclusiveness, and psychological safety to be authentic. In fact, Deloitte research shows 79% of organizations believe fostering belonging is important for their success, though only 13% feel prepared to address this growing priority. In this guide, we'll explore what DEIB means, how it differs from traditional DEI approaches, and how organizations can implement this framework to create truly inclusive workplaces where everyone thrives.

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What is DEIB?

DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—a comprehensive framework that helps organizations create workplaces where all employees feel valued and can thrive. This approach goes beyond traditional diversity efforts by focusing on representation across all groups, regardless of:

• national origin

• language

• race

• color

• disability

• ethnicity

• gender

• age

• religion

• sexual orientation

• gender identity

• socioeconomic status

• veteran status

• family structure

Diversity

So, what exactly counts as diversity in the workplace? It's the mix of differences between people in any setting—teams, companies, or entire industries.

These differences show up in many forms:

• Race and ethnicity

• Gender identity and sexual orientation

• Age and family status

• Language and culture

• Socioeconomic background

• Religious commitments

• Disability status

• Political perspectives

Equity

Equity is about fairness—but it's more nuanced than treating everyone exactly the same. It means creating systems that account for different circumstances and perspectives. The goal? Making sure everyone has genuine access to equal opportunities and outcomes.

Inclusion

What does inclusion actually look like in practice? It's about creating a welcoming environment where people feel safe being themselves. Everyone can speak up, share ideas, and know they're genuinely valued for who they are. The impact of failing to create this environment is significant; one study found that a single instance of micro-exclusion can lead to an immediate 25% decline in an individual's performance.

Belonging

"Belonging" is the feeling of security and support one gets when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group or place.

When companies create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, they're creating the conditions for belonging.

DEIB vs. DEI: What's the difference?

While often used interchangeably, DEIB builds upon the traditional DEI framework by adding a critical fourth element: belonging. DEI focuses on the systems and processes—creating a diverse workforce, ensuring equitable practices, and fostering an inclusive environment. DEIB takes it a step further by measuring the outcome of those efforts.

Belonging is the emotional result. It's the feeling of security and support an employee feels when they can be their authentic self at work. Think of it this way: diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance, and belonging is feeling comfortable enough to dance like nobody's watching.

Benefits of implementing DEIB

Embedding DEIB into your company culture isn't just a social imperative—it's a business advantage. According to McKinsey, top-quartile companies for diversity now show a 39 percent greater likelihood of financial outperformance, proving that these efforts yield tangible benefits that impact the bottom line.

• Improved employee engagement and retention: When people feel they belong, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work, which research shows can lead to a 50% reduction in turnover risk and a 75% decrease in sick days.

• Increased innovation and creativity: Diverse teams that feel safe to share their unique perspectives are better equipped to solve complex problems, with research showing that organizations with an inclusive culture are six times more likely to be innovative and agile.

• Stronger employer brand: A genuine commitment to DEIB helps attract top talent from a wider pool of candidates who are actively seeking inclusive workplaces. For instance, a McKinsey report found women leaders were 1.5 times more likely than their male peers to have left a job for a company that was more committed to DEI.

• Enhanced decision-making: Inclusive teams consider a broader range of viewpoints, leading to more robust and well-rounded business decisions.

How do companies apply the DEIB framework?

So, how do companies actually put DEIB into practice? Most organizations start by weaving DEIB principles into their core people strategy.

Here's where companies typically apply the framework:

• Hiring and recruitment: Building diverse candidate pipelines and bias-free interview processes

• Employee development: Creating equitable growth opportunities and mentorship programs

• Performance management: Ensuring fair evaluation processes across all groups

• Company culture: Fostering psychological safety and inclusive communication

The framework also helps track progress—measuring how well you're attracting, engaging, and retaining talent from all backgrounds.

Building inclusive global teams with DEIB

For distributed companies, a strong DEIB framework is the glue that holds a global team together. It ensures that every employee, regardless of their location, feels valued, supported, and connected to the company's mission. By prioritizing DEIB, you create a foundation of trust and psychological safety that transcends borders and time zones.

A thoughtful DEIB strategy makes global employment not just possible, but human and sustainable. When you're ready to build a team where everyone belongs, Oyster provides the platform to hire, pay, and care for talent anywhere—compliantly and equitably. Start hiring globally.

FAQ

How is DEIB different from DEI?

DEIB adds "Belonging" to traditional DEI frameworks. While DEI focuses on systems and actions, belonging measures whether employees actually feel safe, accepted, and valued.

What does DEIB stand for?

DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—four elements that work together to help every employee thrive.

What is a DEIB strategy?

A DEIB strategy is a company's intentional plan to create an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. It involves setting goals, taking action, and measuring progress across hiring, development, and daily interactions.