What Makes DEI Meaningful (Not Performative) with Jaclyn Durant

What does “belonging” actually look like in a workplace, and why do so many DEI efforts miss the mark?

In this episode, our host, Dr. Matt Lampe, is joined by Jaclyn Durant, a psychology student and ScienceForWork intern, to unpack the research behind diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They explore the difference between meaningful and performative DEI, the science behind tokenism, and why a lack of follow-through creates distrust and burnout.

Tune in for a candid and insightful conversation rooted in evidence, lived experience, and practical recommendations.

Resources referenced:

• Camargo (2023), Developing Strategies to Improve the Sense of Belonging and Mitigate Tokenism

• Wang et al. (2024), Aligning Employee Health and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace: A call for synchronization

• Bui et al. (2019), The Resilient Organization: A Meta-Analysis of the effect of communication on team diversity and team performance

  
  

Key topics include:

• What tokenism looks like in practice

• How performative DEI undermines trust and mental health

• Why DEI workshops, affinity groups, and leadership accountability matter

• Actionable strategies for creating belonging

ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.

• ​https://ScienceForWork.com