Diversity Works New Zealand: Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Over 30 Years
Diversity Works New Zealand (DWNZ) has been at the forefront of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in New Zealand for over three decades. As part of its strategic vision for the coming years, DWNZ is placing a strong emphasis on improving its data collection and analysis capabilities.
We recognise the transformative power of data in driving meaningful change across the country and truly moving the dial on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
By collecting and analysing insights on national and macro trends in DEI across various industries, regions, and employers, Diversity Works New Zealand aims to provide valuable information to the ecosystem. This data-driven approach will assist organisations in refining their DEI priorities and enhancing their efforts to foster inclusive environments.
Driving Knowledge and Innovation: The Role of the Research and Development Team
The Research and Development Team are the gatherers of knowledge within DWNZ, they are responsible for collecting valuable insights, data, and conducting thorough research to interpret, understand and communicate what they think the biggest priorities are in the DEI space. Their research findings are then shared throughout the organisation and to the broader ecosystem of employers and policy makers in New Zealand.
In addition to research, the team is responsible for developing innovative products using a research-driven approach to aid businesses in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Their work requires them to have a firm finger on the pulse of what’s happening in workplaces across New Zealand.
The Challenge of Assessing DEI in Workplaces Across the Country
In 2021, DWNZ launched the Aotearoa Inclusivity Matrix, an evidence-based framework that allows organisations to identify the maturity of their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices across seven components to replace a less sophisticated stocktake process used previously.
However, organisations needed guidance on how to assess their maturity across those seven components without this becoming a manual, time-consuming process.
We were keen to look at a way to automate that as a process and use automation to do [the assessment] as intelligently and as efficiently as possible
Following this, the idea for the AIM Insights suite was born, a set of automated tools that could provide organisations with a detailed analysis of their DEI practices and provide tailored recommendations based on their results.
Finding the Right Technology Provider: Addressing Challenges and Collaborative Problem-Solving
To bring the AIM Insights suite to life, the DWNZ team knew they needed to find the right technology provider. They had a clear set of requirements:
- assistance in automating data analysis, report generation and data visualisation,
- enhancing the efficiency of data presentation and manipulation, and
- streamlining the process for organisations to use the AIM Insights suite tools
Beyond technical capabilities, DWNZ recognized the importance of a partner who could truly grasp their goals and collaborate with them throughout the implementation process. They needed a provider who could not only offer solutions but also assist in problem-solving along the way.
We needed an organisation who has an understanding of our work and what we’re trying to achieve and can therefore help us problem-solve along the way. […] Simple and Engaging absolutely have and then some.
Simple and Engaging emerged as the clear choice. With their deep understanding of the customer’s mission and objectives, they were able to provide the much-needed support in navigating the technical intricacies of the AIM Insights suite implementation. Their commitment to problem-solving and their ability to go above and beyond the customer’s expectations were instrumental in cementing the partnership.
Moreover, Simple and Engaging’s flexibility in working with non-profit organisations and their dedication to providing cost-effective solutions aligned perfectly with Diversity Works New Zealand’s requirements.
They recognised that Simple and Engaging not only possessed the technical expertise they sought but also had a genuine understanding of their financial constraints and the importance of maximising value for every dollar spent.
The AIM Insights Suite: Transforming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Organisations
The AIM Insights suite, offers three powerful tools to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within organisations.
- AIM Self-Assessment: A free tool for Diversity Works member organisations that allows them to assess their diversity, equity, and inclusion maturity by answering a series of questions. Through the AIM Self-Assessment, organisations receive an automated report with immediate feedback and actionable recommendations for improvement.
- AIM Qualified Assessment: For organisations seeking a more comprehensive analysis and personalised support, the qualified assessment provides added value. Guided by a Diversity Works membership success manager, organisations complete the assessment and are provided with more tailored advice based on their specific needs and budget.
How the Self-Assessment Works
Self-Assessment Completed By An Organisation
DWNZ Members complete the AIM self-assessment on the Diversity Works Website
Response is Analysed and Scored
Based on complex logic we built with DWNZ, each self-assessment is automatically analysed and scored to produce a set of personalised results that can be fed into a a report.
Personalised Report Generated
The personalised data are automatically fed into a pre-designed template to generate a fully designed and personalised PDF report for the user
Report Is Sent to The User
The PDF report is automatically sent to the user from a DWNZ email address. Additionally, a copy of the report is saved on DWNZ SharePoint site along with a detailed reference report outlining all the responses from the user for internal reference.
Data Visualisation
An internal data dashboard provides DWNZ with macro-level data aggregation and insights to help identify trends across all respondents.
Step 1 – Self-Assessment Completed By An Organisation
DWNZ Members complete the AIM self-assessment on the Diversity Works Website.
Step 2 – Response is Analysed and Scored
Based on complex logic we built with DWNZ, each self-assessment is automatically analysed and scored to produce a set of personalised results that can be fed into a a report.
Step 3 – Personalised Report Generated
The personalised data are automatically fed into a pre-designed template to generate a fully designed and personalised PDF report for the user.
Step 4 – Report Is Sent to The User
The PDF report is automatically sent to the user from a DWNZ email address. Additionally, a copy of the report is saved on DWNZ SharePoint site along with a detailed reference report outlining all the responses from the user for internal reference.
Step 5 – Data Visualisation
An internal data dashboard provides DWNZ with macro-level data aggregation and insights to help identify trends across all respondents.
Developed over an 18-month period, the self-assessment and qualified assessment tools have received an impressive 240 responses, demonstrating high engagement from organisations eager to enhance their DEI practices. The feedback collected has already provided valuable industry insights.
AIM Employee Perception Survey:
Recognising the importance of gathering diverse perspectives, the Employee Perception Survey enables organisations to collect valuable feedback from their employees regarding their experiences with diversity, equity and inclusion. An aggregated report of all responses is generated which includes demographic data, enabling organisations to identify disparities and inform targeted interventions.
How the Employee Perception Survey Works
EPS Sent to All Staff to Complete
When a member chooses to undertake the EPS, DWNZ staff can trigger a series of automated emails to their member which shares a unique link to the survey to share with their employees along with a range of supporting materials to help the organisation run the assessment.
All Responses are Analysed and Scored
Once the survey is closed, all survey responses are automatically analysed and scored to produce a unique data set for that organisation with aggregated and disaggregated result data categorised by demographic information.
Aggregate Report Generated
A 21 page aggregate report is automatically generated and sent to the member organisation containing over 18 different charts and data visualisations.
As an added option, DWNZ can trigger a more detailed and advanced 55 page analysis report containing over 50 different charts and data visualisations. Including detailed highest/lowest scoring average responses across demographic groups. This report is automatically generated and sent to a DWNZ team member for review and additional commentary.
Step 1 – EPS Sent to All Staff to Complete
When a member chooses to undertake the EPS, DWNZ staff can trigger a series of automated emails to their member which shares a unique link to the survey to share with their employees along with a range of supporting materials to help the organisation run the assessment.
Step 2 – Response is Analysed and Scored
Once the survey is closed, all survey responses are automatically analysed and scored to produce a unique data set for that organisation with aggregated and disaggregated result data categorised by demographic information.
Step 3 – Aggregate Report Generated
A 21 page aggregate report is automatically generated and sent to the member organisation containing over 18 different charts and data visualisations.
As an added option, DWNZ can trigger a more detailed and advanced 55 page analysis report containing over 50 different charts and data visualisations. Including detailed highest/lowest scoring average responses across demographic groups. This report is automatically generated and sent to a DWNZ team member for review and additional commentary.
The Employee Perception Survey holds promise in establishing comprehensive benchmarking data as more organisations adopt it, unlocking powerful insights into the experiences of employees across diverse demographics.
The tools address the needs of organisations with limited resources, providing an accessible way to gain valuable insights into their diversity initiatives. The AIM Insights tools expands the reach of Diversity Works, allowing them to offer expertise to a broader range of organisations and provide additional support and guidance.
It really just allowed us to be more things to more people
The Significance of the AIM Insights Suite
The AIM Insights suite is very important for DWNZ as it acknowledges the evolving nature of diversity, equity, and inclusion work. It provides comprehensive tools for gathering and analysing data at both macro and micro levels. It empowers DWNZ to drive real change by harnessing aggregated information across participating organisations and delving deeper into individual organisations.
The Employee Perception Survey (EPS), in particular, enables organisations to receive 360-degree feedback on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, capturing diverse perspectives. This is an important part of addressing the disconnect between how DEI practitioners perceive their efforts and how individuals on the ground experience them. By providing tangible data and insights, the EPS helps DWNZ and organisations gain a sharper understanding of individuals’ actual experiences. This understanding is crucial for driving meaningful change and aligning diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts with people’s lived experiences.
We know from our research that practitioners working in this space perceive that their mahi is having a greater impact than is reported by those working in their organisations. So having a sharper sense of what those actual experiences are is really, really important
Simple and Engaging: A Trusted Partner for Diversity Works New Zealand
Working with Simple and Engaging was an exceptional experience for Diversity Works New Zealand. Their unwavering dedication, responsiveness, and support surpassed expectations. Simple and Engaging’s problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding helped address complex challenges effectively.
We really needed an organisation who could understand what we were trying to achieve. We needed an organisation who could conceptually grapple with the problems and help us and solve them
The positive dynamics and trust between the teams fostered a mutually beneficial partnership. Their exceptional responsiveness, diligence, and ability to forge strong relationships made them an invaluable asset. When faced with obstacles or challenges, Simple and Engaging actively engages and collaborates to find effective solutions, going above and beyond previous partners.
That kind of responsiveness and diligence, in terms of analytical thinking and tool development, was such a massive support to us. Simple and Engaging went totally above and beyond
In Summary
The collaboration between DWNZ and Simple and Engaging has resulted in the development of the AIM Insights suite, a transformative set of tools that empower organisations to enhance their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
By automating the data analysis, report generation, and data visualisation processes, the AIM Insights suite has significantly improved the efficiency and reach of DWNZ’s assessment capabilities. These tools provide organisations with valuable insights into their DEI maturity, tailored recommendations for improvement, and the ability to collect diverse perspectives on workplace experiences.
By harnessing aggregated data across participating organisations and delving deeper into individual organisations, DWNZ can support its members to make data-driven decisions and align their DEI initiatives with the lived experiences of individuals.
The AIM Insights suite represents a significant milestone in DWNZ’s mission to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in New Zealand. It not only offers organisations the means to assess and enhance their DEI practices but will also provide DWNZ with comprehensive data and industry insights to advocate for meaningful change at a national level.
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