The Problem with “Diverse Employees”

When you say things like “We want to retain our diverse employees” who, exactly, are you talking about?

Just a friendly reminder: no one is inherently "diverse." Diversity is not a personal trait; it’s a relational and systemic concept.

When we say “diverse employees,” we unintentionally reinforce the idea that there’s a “norm” (usually white, cis, straight, non-disabled) and everyone else is “diverse.” It places the burden of difference—and often the burden of change—on the very people most impacted by exclusion.

✅ If you mean Black and Brown employees, say that.
✅ If you mean LGBTQIA2S+ folx, people with disabilities, or first-gen professionals from immigrant families, say that.

Vague language collapses distinct identities and lived experiences into a single, catch-all category, hiding the power dynamics we must confront to champion authentic inclusion.

Say what you mean, leaders. Equity requires clarity.

ID: Image of “diverse employees” from Pexels.com. Image credit: Canva Studio.