28 Diversity Team Building Activities for an Inclusive Workplace
Finding ways to blend learning with fun can sometimes seem like a quest for the Holy Grail. But fear not, intrepid DEI champions! We’ve put together an arsenal of activities designed to sprinkle some joy into the serious business of building a more inclusive workplace. From the hilariously enlightening to the profoundly engaging, these 28 fun diversity team-building activities are your secret weapon in creating a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
1. The Diversity Flower Petal Activity
Kick things off with a blooming marvelous activity! Each team member writes aspects of their identity on different petals of a flower template. Sharing and discussing these can illuminate the rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives in your team, all while creating a beautiful garden of diversity flowers.
2. The Cultural Carousel
Rotate through stations where team members share something unique about their culture, whether it’s a dance, a traditional game, or a culinary treat. It’s like a mini world tour without leaving the office!
3. Two Truths and a Diversity Fact
A twist on the classic icebreaker. Along with two truths about themselves, each person shares a fact related to diversity. Guess which is which and learn something new in the process!
4. DEI Pictionary
Divide into teams and draw diversity-related words or phrases while others guess. It’s a race against time to illustrate and understand concepts from inclusion to equity, all while laughing at your teammates' artistic attempts.
5. Inclusion Improv
Who knew improv could teach empathy? Engage in skits that put team members in others' shoes, exploring scenarios that minority groups may face. It’s a fun way to develop understanding and empathy.
6. The Privilege Walk
This powerful exercise involves stepping forward or backward based on statements about privilege. It visually and physically demonstrates the diversity of experiences within your team, sparking deep conversations.
7. Culture Quiz Bowl
Test your team's knowledge with a quiz on world cultures, famous historical figures from diverse backgrounds, and landmark diversity events. It’s competitive learning at its best!
8. 'Guess Who?' Diversity Edition
Customize the classic game with facts about team members or famous individuals who champion diversity. Guess who it is based on diversity clues, learning about each other and diversity heroes.
9. The Diversity Egg Drop
Teams design and build a contraption to protect an egg, symbolizing nurturing and protecting diversity in the workplace. The catch? Materials represent different diversity elements, encouraging creative thinking about inclusion.
10. International Potluck Day
Nothing brings people together like food. Host a potluck where everyone brings a dish from their culture. It’s a delicious way to learn about and celebrate the diverse tastes within your team.
11. 'If I Were...' Storytime
Each person shares a short story from the perspective of someone different from themselves. This activity promotes empathy and understanding through storytelling.
12. Diversity Bingo
Create bingo cards with diverse characteristics (speaks a second language, has lived in another country, etc.). Find colleagues who match these traits to complete your card, discovering the diversity around you.
13. The Inclusion Tower
Using building blocks, teams must construct the tallest tower possible. The twist? Each block represents a different aspect of diversity, and teams must discuss how each piece helps or hinders their progress.
14. 'Walk a Mile' Scavenger Hunt
Organize a scavenger hunt with clues related to understanding and experiencing diversity. It’s a fun way to explore the concept of "walking a mile in someone else's shoes."
15. My Name, My Story
Share the story of your name and its cultural significance. It’s a simple yet profound way to share and learn about each other's heritage and identity.
16. The Diversity Debate
Host a friendly debate on various DEI topics. This encourages critical thinking and understanding of different perspectives in a fun, structured environment.
17. The Culture Map
Create a giant map and have team members mark where they or their ancestors are from. This visual representation of diversity can be a powerful conversation starter.
18. DEI Film Festival
Host a mini film festival featuring short films or clips on diversity and inclusion themes. Follow up with discussions to unpack the themes and learnings.
19. The Emotion Wheel
Identify and discuss emotions related to different DEI scenarios. Understanding emotional responses can foster empathy and inclusion.
20. 'Hidden Figures' Showcase
Highlight unsung heroes from diverse backgrounds in your industry or history. It’s an inspiring way to learn about the contributions of those who often go unrecognized.
21. Diversity and Inclusion Trivia
Organize a trivia game focused on diversity and inclusion facts, historical milestones, and influential figures. This can be a light-hearted way to educate your team on important issues and events.
22. The 'I Am, But I Am Not' Exercise
Participants write down stereotypes that may be associated with their identity, followed by truths that counter those stereotypes. Sharing these can dispel myths and foster a deeper understanding among team members.
23. Diversity Time Capsule
Create a time capsule filled with items that represent the team's diverse backgrounds and hopes for a more inclusive future. Decide on a future date to reopen it and reflect on the progress made.
24. The Language Exchange
Pair up team members who speak different languages and have them teach each other basic phrases. It’s a fun and interactive way to appreciate linguistic diversity and the effort it takes to learn another language.
25. The Inclusion Mural
Collaboratively design and paint a mural that represents what diversity and inclusion mean to your team. This creative project leaves a lasting reminder of your collective commitment to an inclusive workplace.
26. Role-Reversal Roleplay
Engage in roleplay scenarios where team members swap roles with colleagues of different backgrounds. This exercise can highlight unconscious biases and the importance of perspective-taking.
27. The Diversity Book Club
Start a book club that reads and discusses books on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This ongoing activity encourages continuous learning and discussion on DEI topics.
28. 'A Day in the Life' Video Project
Create short videos depicting a day in the life of team members from different backgrounds. Sharing these videos can increase awareness and appreciation of the diverse experiences within your team.
Bringing Fun to Diversity and Inclusion Training
The question isn't just "What is a fun game for diversity and inclusion?" but "How do we make learning about diversity and inclusion an engaging, enjoyable, and enlightening experience for everyone?" The key lies in creativity, empathy, and openness to learning from one another. Whether it's through games, discussions, or collaborative projects, the goal is to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is the norm.
How to Make Diversity Training Fun?
Make it interactive: People learn best when they are actively engaged. Use activities that require participation, discussion, and teamwork.
Keep it relevant: Tailor your activities to your team's specific needs and backgrounds. This personal touch makes the experience more meaningful and impactful.
Focus on positive outcomes: Highlight the benefits of diversity and inclusion, such as increased creativity, better decision-making, and a more harmonious workplace.
An Example of a Diversity Activity: The Diversity Flower Petal Activity
This activity stands out for its simplicity and depth. It provides a visual and interactive way to explore and celebrate the unique identities within your team. By sharing and discussing their diversity flowers, team members can build understanding and empathy, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive culture.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Curious about where your current DEI efforts stand and where there might be room for growth? Try our DEI Vulnerability Assessment. It’s a fantastic starting point for identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in your organization's DEI journey.
Looking to maximize your DEI efforts with tailored strategies and expert guidance? Book a 30-minute consultation with us. Let's explore how we can support your commitment to creating a truly inclusive workplace together.
Incorporating fun, engaging activities into your DEI initiatives can transform the way your team views and values diversity and inclusion. It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about weaving inclusivity into the very fabric of your organizational culture. And who said it can’t be fun?