Top 10 Must-Read Books on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are critical to successful organizations. By embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering a culture of inclusion, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce and create a more innovative, creative, and collaborative workplace. At Goodera, we've compiled a list of the top 10 best books on diversity and inclusion in the workplace to help you become a diversity and inclusion champion and build awareness within your teams by sharing these resources. Happy reading! 📚
10 Best-Selling Books on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
- Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Pérez
In her book, Perez exposes the damaging effects of a world built by men, for men. From the gender data gap to biased public policies, Perez shows how women have been excluded from decision-making processes and how these biases have damaging consequences. But rather than despairing, Perez offers a hopeful message: by shining a light on these hidden biases, we can create a world that works for everyone.
- What Works: Gender Equality by Design by Iris Bohnet
Gender equality is not only a moral but also a business imperative, but unconscious bias remains a significant obstacle. Traditional approaches such as de-biasing individuals and diversity training programs have been costly and complex with limited success. Behavioral design is a promising new approach that can make a significant impact. In "What Works," Iris Bohnet offers research-based solutions to move the needle in classrooms and boardrooms, benefiting businesses, governments, and millions of lives. The book showcases how research is addressing gender bias and improving performance, demonstrating that change can be achieved at a low cost and high speed.
- Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace: A Toolkit for Employers by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The HRC's Transgender Toolkit for Employers is an indispensable resource for employers looking to create an inclusive and affirming workplace for transgender employees. This guide helps employers navigate the complexities of supporting transgender employees (including recruitment, hiring, benefits, dress codes, and gender identity and expression in the workplace) and provides practical advice, best practices, and resources to foster an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming workplace for everyone.
Also Read: 8 Organizations Championing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
When Black, White, and Latino youth segregate themselves in mixed gatherings, is it a problem or a coping mechanism? According to Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned expert on racism psychology, having honest conversations about our racial identities is crucial for crossing racial and ethnic barriers. Tatum's best-selling book on race relations has equipped readers with tools to start discussions on racism, communicate across differences, and gain a deeper understanding of racial identity. She explains how our cultural perspectives still promote racial hierarchies and hinder equitable relationships, which is incredibly pressing during today's divisive national discourse on race.
- Queeristan: LGBTQ Inclusion in the Indian Workplace by Parmesh Shahani
The Indian Supreme Court's historic ruling to invalidate Section 377 in 2018 ushered in a paradigm shift in LGBTQIA+ rights and policies, particularly within the traditional Indian business realm. Parmesh Shahani, a pioneer for LGBTQIA+ rights in the corporate sector, offers a groundbreaking guidebook for India's business leaders. By featuring the success stories of corporations like IBM, Godrej, Tata Steel, and Wipro, who have embraced diversity and inclusion, this best-selling book on diversity and inclusion in the workplace provides practical guidance and inspiring narratives on how to transform workplace culture and achieve long-term success while promoting social justice.
- The Psychological and Social Impact of Illness and Disability, 7th Edition. by Irmo Marini and Mark A. Stebnicki
The quintessential guide on the psychological and social implications of disability and illness, this all-time bestseller's seventh edition is a vital resource. Offering practical insights and inclusive perspectives, it sheds light on social justice issues and the growing accessibility gap. With personal accounts of survivors, this book humanizes the scientific discourse and brings to the forefront the daily struggles of marginalized individuals. It also examines obstacles to improving the quality of life of patients with disabilities and sheds light on the global perspective on illness and disability.
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
The statistics paint a stark picture of gender inequality in leadership, with women occupying just 20% of parliamentary seats globally and 18 of the Fortune 500 CEO positions. Sandberg empowers women to sit at the table, take risks, and achieve their professional goals. Using personal anecdotes, data, and research, she shifts the conversation from limiting women to empowering them. She offers practical tips on negotiation, mentorship, and work-life balance, and shows how men can support women personally and professionally.
- Diversity in the Workplace: Eye-Opening Interviews to Jumpstart Conversations about Identity, Privilege, and Bias by Bärí A. Williams
Unlock the secrets to creating a genuinely inclusive workplace with Diversity in the Workplace. This book is your guided tour of the labor force from a minority perspective, featuring 25 interviews with real people sharing their stories of fighting inequality. It explores the role of identity in shaping inequality, including race, gender, LGBTQIA+, age, ability, and religion. With key takeaways to inspire reflection and action, you'll learn how to build awareness and have constructive conversations with colleagues.
Also Read: Goodera's 10 Strategies to Promote Diversity and Inclusion at Your Workplace
- Key Challenges and Strategic Approaches to Combat Caste-Based and Analogous Forms of Discrimination by the United Nations Network
Discrimination based on descent, including caste-based discrimination, remains a challenge. The UN has issued a Guidance Tool that provides stakeholders with concrete suggestions to take action against such discrimination and understand its complexities. The tool emphasizes the intersection between discrimination based on descent and gender, encourages the participation of descent-based communities in development processes, and promotes non-discrimination approaches.
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Oluo provides a contemporary take on the racial landscape in America, breaking down complex topics like privilege, intersectionality, and microaggressions in a way that is accessible to all readers. From police brutality to systemic discrimination, Oluo tackles pressing issues that impact every aspect of American life. Her straightforward approach offers practical advice for challenging situations, such as confronting racist jokes or addressing questions about cultural differences. The book delivers a valuable and accessible roadmap for navigating the complex terrain of racism in today's society.
These best-selling books on Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace provide valuable insights and tools for promoting equity and inclusivity, no matter your role or industry. They offer practical strategies and tools for organizations and individuals to promote equity, foster allyship, and create a sense of belonging.
We can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Join us in embracing the power of diversity and making our workplaces more inclusive and equitable spaces for all. Explore purposeful DEI activities for your team with Goodera today.
Read next: 10 Strategies to Promote Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
