Before launching a new DEI strategy or refining existing efforts, organisations must first understand where they currently stand. This is where a DEI desktop review comes in.
A DEI desktop review is a structured assessment of an organisation’s business strategy, policies, workforce data, governance structures, and external commitments—all conducted without direct stakeholder engagement. By taking this first step, organisations can gain clarity on their current DEI position, identify gaps, and build a strong foundation for meaningful action.
What Does a DEI Desktop Review Involve?
A comprehensive DEI desktop review typically covers several key areas, ensuring that DEI is embedded across all aspects of the organisation.
1. Business Strategy and Associated Documentation
First and foremost, a DEI desktop review examines how DEI aligns with the organisation’s broader strategic direction. This includes:
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Reviewing corporate strategies, business plans, and annual reports for DEI integration
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Assessing how DEI is reflected in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments
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Evaluating risk management and compliance frameworks to ensure DEI considerations are included
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Analysing workforce planning, talent attraction, and succession planning through a DEI lens
2. Policies and Procedures
Next, it is crucial to assess whether workplace policies support or unintentionally hinder inclusion. This involves reviewing:
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Recruitment, promotion, and retention policies for equity and accessibility
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Anti-discrimination, bullying, and harassment policies for clarity and effectiveness
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Flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and family-friendly policies
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Workplace adjustments for employees with disability or neurodiversity
3. DEI Strategy and Governance
To ensure DEI efforts are more than just words on paper, organisations need effective governance structures. A desktop review examines:
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Existing DEI action plans, frameworks, and accountability measures
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The level of executive sponsorship and leadership engagement in DEI initiatives
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The role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and DEI councils in shaping workplace culture
4. Workforce Data and Metrics
Equally important, a desktop review looks at quantitative evidence to assess DEI progress. This includes:
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Workforce demographics, such as gender, cultural and linguistic diversity, and disability representation
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Pay equity analysis and gender pay gap reporting
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Attrition and promotion trends to identify potential barriers to career progression
5. Training and Development
To cultivate a truly inclusive culture, organisations must invest in meaningful learning and development initiatives. A desktop review evaluates:
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The presence and impact of unconscious bias and inclusive leadership training
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Cultural competency and allyship programs to foster understanding and engagement
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Mentorship and sponsorship initiatives designed to support underrepresented groups
6. External Commitments and Benchmarks
Finally, a desktop review considers how the organisation measures up against industry standards by assessing:
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Participation in DEI benchmarks, employer indices, and external accreditation programs
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Compliance with national and global DEI frameworks (e.g., WGEA, UN Sustainable Development Goals)
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Supplier diversity initiatives and partnerships with underrepresented communities
Why Conduct a DEI Desktop Review?
A well-executed DEI desktop review provides organisations with valuable, data-driven insights into their DEI progress. More importantly, it helps decision-makers:
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Identify strengths and weaknesses before committing to major DEI investments
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Ensure DEI is embedded within the broader business strategy rather than treated as an isolated HR function
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Benchmark against industry best practices and regulatory requirements
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Lay the foundation for employee listening initiatives, such as surveys or focus groups, to validate findings
When Should an Organisation Conduct a DEI Desktop Review?
Given its value, a DEI desktop review should be conducted at key moments in an organisation’s evolution. For instance:
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Before launching a new DEI strategy to ensure a strong evidence-based foundation
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As part of broader organisational reviews, including ESG reporting and corporate governance assessments
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In response to regulatory requirements, such as WGEA reporting in Australia
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Following a workplace culture assessment, reputational risk, or leadership transition
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During organisational restructuring to ensure DEI is embedded in workforce planning
Beyond the Desktop: Next Steps in DEI Strategy
While a DEI desktop review is an essential starting point, it is only the beginning. To truly understand how DEI policies translate into workplace culture, organisations must engage employees through listening initiatives such as focus groups, employee experience surveys, and qualitative interviews.
Only by combining policy and data analysis with lived experience insights can organisations ensure that their DEI commitments lead to real, sustainable change.
Final Thought
A DEI desktop review is more than a compliance exercise—it is a strategic opportunity to assess, realign, and strengthen DEI efforts. By evaluating business strategy, policies, and workforce data, organisations can make informed, evidence-based decisions that drive long-term impact.
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Related Reading:
https://cultureplusconsulting.com/build-an-accountability-framework-for-dei-success/
https://cultureplusconsulting.com/diversity-strategy/
https://cultureplusconsulting.com/characteristics-of-leading-dei-programs/
https://cultureplusconsulting.com/develop-a-strong-business-case-for-dei/
https://cultureplusconsulting.com/current-emerging-dei-focus-areas-in-australia/
https://cultureplusconsulting.com/implementing-employee-resource-groups-ergs/
https://cultureplusconsulting.com/build-an-accountability-framework-for-dei-success/