Best Books on Diversity, Inclusion & Equity in the Workplace in 2022
We have curated a list of must-read books on diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, which tackle some really important topics such as systemic & personal bias and also lay the groundwork for having bold, inclusive conversations.
13 Must-Read Books on Diversity, Inclusion & Equity In The Workplace
If you are a leader and/or work in the field of Human Resources, these hand-picked recommendations of books on diversity, inclusion and equity will help you confront difficult issues including sexism, racism, inequality, and injustice at the workplace and help you make your organization (and the world) a better place.
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The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias
- Dolly Chugh
Many of us believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion. But how do we stand up for those values in our turbulent world? The Person You Mean to Be is the smart, "semi-bold" person’s guide to fighting for what you believe in. An inspiring guide from Dolly Chugh, an award-winning social psychologist at New York University Stern School of Business, on how to confront difficult issues including sexism, racism, inequality, and injustice so that you can make the world (and yourself) better.
So You Want to Talk About Race
- Ijeoma Oluo
Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from intersectionality and affirmative action to "model minorities" in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race and racism, and how they infect almost every aspect of American life. She gives both white people and people of color, a language to engage in clear, constructive, and confident dialogue with each other about how to deal with racial prejudices and biases.
How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive
- Jennifer Brown
We know why diversity is important, but how do we drive real change at work? Diversity and inclusion expert Jennifer Brown provides a step-by-step guide for the personal and emotional journey we must undertake to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do
- Jennifer L. Eberhardt
How do we address racial disparities and inequities? What role do our institutions play in creating, maintaining, and magnifying those inequities? With a perspective that is at once scientific, investigative, and informed by personal experience, Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt offers us the language and courage we need to face one of the biggest and most troubling issues of our time.
Demystifying Diversity: A Handbook to Navigate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Jiten Patel, Gamiel Yafai
An engaging and comprehensive tour of the world of diversity in the workplace. Authoritative, yet witty and well told, this important book is a vital navigational tool for anyone getting to grips with the importance of diversity across the spectrum of today s society. Demystifying Diversity is aimed at anyone with a line management responsibility at any level of management, business professionals and HR practitioners.
Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces
- Karen Catlin
Are you looking to build a workplace culture with a certain buzz about it? Where employees are thriving and engagement is through the roof. Where people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, and abilities are hired and set up for success. One secret to creating this environment is allyship. And it's something anyone can do. In this book, you'll learn to spot situations where you can create a more inclusive culture, along with straightforward steps to take.
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People
- Mahzarin R. Banaji, Anthony G. Greenwald
Blindspot is the authors’ metaphor for the portion of the mind that houses hidden biases. Writing with simplicity and verve, they question the extent to which our perceptions of social groups shape our likes and dislikes and judgments about people’s character and abilities. The title’s “good people” are those of us who strive to align our behavior with our intentions. The book aims to explain the science in plain enough language to help well-intentioned people achieve that alignment.
We Can't Talk about That at Work!: How to Talk about Race, Religion, Politics, and Other Polarizing Topics
- Mary-Frances Winters
Politics, religion, race - we can't talk about topics like these at work, right? But these conversations are happening all the time. And if they aren't handled effectively, they can become more polarizing and divisive, impacting productivity, engagement, retention, teamwork, and even employees' sense of safety in the workplace. In this concise and powerful book, Mary-Frances Winters shows you how to lay the groundwork for having bold, inclusive conversations.
The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table
- Minda Harts
Most business books provide a one-size-fits-all approach to career advice that overlooks the unique barriers that women of color face. In The Memo, Minda Harts offers a much-needed career guide tailored specifically for women of color. From microaggressions to the wage gap, The Memo empowers women of color with actionable advice on challenges and offers a clear path to success.
From INTENT to IMPACT: The 5 Dualities of Diversity and Inclusion
- Monica Diaz
In this book, Monica Diaz describes how leaders and companies can identify what is truly driving their behavior when they intend to leverage diversity and inclusion to drive business impact. She also outlines a non-traditional practical application of these learnings, to give leaders a different approach on how to truly transform mindsets and dramatically evolve work environments. This book is for anyone committed to building better work environments powered by human differences.
Belonging At Work: Everyday Actions You Can Take to Cultivate an Inclusive Organization
- Rhodes Perry
Belonging At Work empowers business leaders, visionaries, and those on their way to joining them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build inclusive organizations. The personal storiesand practical strategies featured in the book offer everything you need to cultivate workplace cultures where all of your stakeholders can show up authentically and feel valued and respected for their contributions. Rhodes Perry’s visionary book serves as a blueprint for the future of work.
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
- Robin DiAngelo
Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent meaningful cross-racial dialogue. Anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what can be done to engage more constructively.
Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions
- Tiffany Jana, Michael Baran
Our workplaces and society are growing more diverse, but are we supporting inclusive cultures? While overt racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination are relatively easy to spot, we cannot neglect the subtler everyday actions that normalize exclusion. Jana and Baran give simple and clear tools to identify and address such acts, offering scripts and action plans for everybody involved.
