16 Diversity and Inclusion Team Building Activities for Better Remote Teams
Build diversity and inclusion in your team with these four types of DEI activities.
How do you build diversity and inclusivity in your team? And why is it so important?
Put simply, a diverse and inclusive workplace is a successful workplace. Not only are diverse workplaces that focus on DEI as one of the main pillars of their company culture proven to be more productive and profitable as a whole, but they also produce happier employees that do more innovative work and stay in their position at the company for longer. Plus, company benefits aside, a diverse workplace ensures that everyone feels included, comfortable, happy, and like they belong in their chosen career.
Promoting DEI in your workplace isn’t just about hiring more people of color, women, and people from differing sexual orientations. If your organization isn’t doing the work to make those employees feel seen, heard, and cared for, you can still have a workplace lacking inclusion and equity.
As an employer, your responsibility is to ensure that you focus on DEI and diversity initiatives. In the long run, you and your team will be all the better for it.
One of the simplest ways to create a more caring, diverse working environment is to have your team participate in diversity and inclusion activities that foster conversations and celebrate cultural differences. 🌎
🎨 4 DEI activities for art lovers
Is your organization full of creative types that prefer the art museum over happy hour? Bringing art lovers and creatives alike for a DEI activity is a thoughtful way to add diverse and inclusive activities to your workplace.
Art is an element of our culture that bonds us beyond language barriers, skin color, or class. Every single person in the world can look at a piece of art and fall in love with it, no matter who created that piece of art or when they did it. Because of this, art is a fantastic way to open up the conversation about history, diversity, and culture.
1. Exploring Black Art
Black art throughout history has told stories of pain, triumph, loss, and joy. The Black experience has been documented, through the centuries and to this day, by Black artists that work to encapsulate everything that it means to be a person of color existing in our biased world.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Allowing your teams to experience and explore Black art throughout history is a great way to ignite conversations, spark questions, and ultimately open the door for a deeper understanding of one another. If, in the context of art, teams can see the lived experience of being a Black person throughout history, it makes room for a little more empathy and exploration.
How to get started 👉 Start Exploring Black Art through history today!
2. Exploring Asian Art
Asian art is an expansive and fascinating part of art history as a whole. From the terracotta army in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang to Ai Weiwei’s perspective-shifting modern sculptures, Asian art has long influenced and decided the direction of art around the globe.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Exploring Asian Art allows teams to learn more about Asia's extensive history, from India to Vietnam, through a visual lens! Here, conversations can start, teams can ask questions without fear of judgment, and everyone can leave with a better understanding of different cultures across Asia.
How to get started 👉 Discover your new favorite artist in Exploring Asian Art!
3. Frida Kahlo Headband Making Class
Frida Kahlo is one of the most influential Mexican artists of all time. Her impact in the art world is known far and wide! Most may recognize her iconic art style and even more iconic flower headband. What better way to pay homage to a beloved Mexican woman than by channeling her creativity with your team?
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Not only does this team allow participants to embrace and celebrate Mexican culture, but it also makes room for your teams to collaborate creatively. Being creative without boundaries or deadlines can be rare in the workplace, and is a great way to foster a sense of belonging and peace of mind within teams.
How to get started 👉 Get crafty in our Frida Kahlo Headband Making Class!
4. Exploring Queer Art
Queer art history is often overlooked or mistaken in meaning — but not by your team! In a lecture-style setting, watch the LGBTQIA+ art movement unfold across time, and discover the hidden stories of queer artists along the way.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Team members that are a part of the LGBTQIA community might feel ostracized in the workplace. Like exploring the rich history and art of any other culture, exploring queer art is a great way to start conversations about queer history, and bring everyone together in a safe space.
How to get started 👉 Take a walk the LGBTQIA+ art movement in Exploring Queer Art!
🥘 4 DEI activities for foodies
Food has always been a cultural bonder. Why? Because you don’t need words to understand the taste of someone’s culture. Besides, when it comes to food, many people tend to be more adventurous than they would be in other aspects of their lives.
Those factors are a great recipe for bringing your team together for foodie-approved DEI activities.
5. Empanada Making Class
Many different Latinx and Hispanic countries and cultures make their own version of an empanada. From beef to ham to guava stuffed, they’re all unique and delicious in their own right. This is exactly why an Empanada Making Class is a great way to celebrate Hispanic & Latinx heritage and teach your team members to make a delicious treat.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Empanadas are one of those foods that almost all Hispanic and Latinx cultures have in common. Call it the great uniter, and it will do a fantastic job of bringing your team together to learn about Hispanic & Latinx heritage and create something truly delicious.
How to get started 👉 You guava try the Empanada Making Class!
6. Dumpling Making Class
Not sure about you, but every time dumplings grace our plates, we find ourselves thinking “Dang! We wish we could make something this delicious!” If you’re the same way, this is an excellent opportunity for you and your team to learn a new skill and learn about this staple in Chinese cuisine and culture.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Dumplings are often eaten around the Lunar New Year to signify wealth and prosperity in the coming year (ever notice how they kind of look like a coin purse?). Whether the Lunar New Year is approaching or not, there is never a wrong time to bring your team together to celebrate Asian culture and learn how to make this staple dish.
How to get started 👉 Learn to fill like a pro in our Dumpling Making Class!
7. Mexican Cooking Class
We all know and love Mexican food, but cooking an authentic dish is an entirely different skill set! Before you and your team opt for Tex Mex on your next lunch and learn, why not learn how to make an authentic Mexican lunch instead?
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Use this activity to teach people how to make an incredible Mexican dish while exploring the history of Mexican food and its impact on global culture.
How to get started 👉 Master your favorite Mexican dish in our Mexican Cooking Class!
8. Juneteenth Mixology Class
At a glance, Juneteenth and cocktails might seem like they have nothing in common. On the contrary, your favorite spirits and this nationally celebrated holiday have a lot more in common than you think. And your team can discover the history in a riveting Juneteenth Mixology Class.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
In this workshop, participants will make their own Juneteenth-inspired cocktail, while learning about the true history, people, and events that inspired the drink. Then, everyone can cheers to a more knowledgeable and diverse workplace.
How to get started 👉 Learn the history behind your favorite spirits in our Juneteenth Mixology Class!
🕹️ 4 DEI team building games
Diversity and inclusion games have always been a workplace favorite when it comes to team building and bonding, and with good reason! While the workplace can be naturally tense and stressful, it’s always good to look for opportunities to allow your team to loosen up and have some uninhibited fun.
If you can add an element of diversity and inclusion to your gameplay? Even better. Who said that DEI had to be all lectures and learning, anyway?
9. Black History & Culture Jeoparty
It’s always a great time to have your team brush up on their Black history and culture knowledge, and what better way to do so than through a classic game like Jeopardy?
This fun team bonding activity is great for small groups and has your staff members receiving answers and providing questions (in classic Jeopardy style) for questions on Black history, celebrities, culture, and facts.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Whether or not it’s Black History Month, having your team participate in Black History & Culture Jeoparty is a fantastic way to promote celebrating diversity and learn more about the rich and deep Black history of our country and of the world. Even for the people who think they know it all, there is always something new to be learned.
How to get started 👉 Learn together in Black History & Culture Jeoparty!
10. LGBTQIA+ Mini Games
LGBTQIA+ culture is deeply ingrained in our society, from the music we listen to, to the memes we share with our friends. Playing mini games allows you and your team to take a more in-depth look at the jokes, songs, and fun facts that originated from queer culture and have become a staple in our everyday lives.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
During Pride Month, or any time of the year, it’s always fun to learn more about a culture and community (possibly) outside your own. Activities such as LGBTQIA+ Mini Games allow team members to open up, while others can understand their culture and community just a little bit better.
How to get started 👉 Test your knowledge in LGBTQIA+ Mini Games!
11. Women's History Trivia
Women’s History Trivia allows team members to test their knowledge about some of history’s bravest and best women and learn a little more about the surprising ways women have shaped the world.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Celebrating the way that women shape and lead your workplace should be an everyday occurrence, but especially during Women’s History Month. If you feel that your team needs a little brushing up on all of the awesome things that women have accomplished throughout history, then this is the activity for you.
How to get started 👉 Explore herstory in Women’s History Trivia!
12. AAPI History & Culture Jeoparty
The AAPI community is made up of over 16.6 million people, hailing from places like Hawaii, China, Korea, India, the Philippines, Cambodia, and more. And each region has its own cultural practices and history, ready for you to learn more about in AAPI History & Culture Jeoparty!
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
AAPI History & Culture Jeoparty brings you knowledge about Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds in a fun, competitive way. This activity allows your teams to flex their current knowledge while learning something new!
How to get started 👉 Get ready to compete in AAPI History & Culture Jeoparty!
🧑🏫 4 engaging, lecture-style DEI activities
Lecture-style DEI activities are perhaps the most common and popular type of cultural diversity and inclusivity activities. When done correctly, engaging your team members with a lecture or diversity chat is a great way to get everyone on the same page regarding your company culture surrounding DEI.
But before you dive into a tedious lecture about the importance of DEI in the workplace, consider shaking things up a bit with a lecture or speech from an expert on a particular topic. Here are some ideas for your next educational DEI experience:
13. DEI 101
DEI is a phrase often heard in the workplace, but is it universally understood? A DEI 101 lecture will help your team members gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive in the workplace and in real life.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
This is an awesome activity to host for your organization because it helps get all of your employees on the same page with your DEI initiatives. Transparency is the key to a better, more diverse, and ethical workplace. Hosting a DEI 101 course and discussing your company’s plans to create a more diverse and inclusive company is a great place to start.
How to get started 👉 Master DEI 101 today!
14. Black Women in Cinema Class
How much does your team know about the powerful Black women who have helped shape cinema, both past, and present?
Gather your team for an engaging presentation about the backstories and other lesser-known facts about these women. An expert host will walk your team through an interactive conversation about past actresses, directors, and writers that have made their mark from the Golden Age to the industry it is today!
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
The film industry has come a long way, but still has a long way to go in ensuring equal representation for Black women in cinema. This experience is a great way to get your team together to learn something new while having the chance to ask questions and engage in a conversation about Black history & culture as well.
How to get started 👉 Broaden your horizons in Black Women in Cinema!
15. LGBTQIA+ Cultural Impact Class
The LGBTQIA+ community has impacted American culture through politics, art, music, and more!
Given there is so much to learn about representation and the LGBTQIA+ community, having a lecture that celebrates their contributions to society matters, especially during Pride Month.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Your team members who aren’t in the LGBTQIA+ community may have questions and want to know more about the history of queer culture. Instead of allowing them to play guessing games, give everyone a safe space to learn, ask questions, and expand their knowledge.
How to get started 👉 Take pride in the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Impact Class!
16. DEI Conversations at Work
Sometimes, it’s difficult to approach conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Especially for people who have questions and want to start the conversation without being problematic or hurtful. Bringing in a qualified DEI coordinator to host a discussion about DEI allows everyone to have a chat and ask questions comfortably.
Why is this great for inclusion activities?
Your staff want to be an active part of the decisions being made in your organization — including how to create a more inclusive, diverse workplace. This conversation is the perfect way to get everyone involved.
How to get started 👉 Open the floor in DEI Conversations at Work!
Book the best diversity and inclusion team building activities with Confetti!
At Confetti, we make diversity, equity, and inclusion activities engaging, educational, and fun. If you want to engage your staff in conversations about what it means to create and nurture a diverse workplace, we’re here to help.
For more ideas on how to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, see our ultimate diversity and inclusion guide.
Why Choose Confetti?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do diversity and inclusion team building activities benefit remote employees?
Diversity and inclusion activities build empathy, awareness, and a sense of belonging for remote team members. They help bridge the gap between distances by fostering conversations and celebrating cultural differences. Being a part of a diverse and inclusive workplace leads to happier employees who tend to stay in their positions for longer, thanks to higher levels of job satisfaction.
How does the company benefit from diversity and inclusion activities?
Businesses and organizations that feature Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as a pillar in their company culture initiatives experience higher levels of employee retention, more innovative and collaborative work environments, and are more productive and profitable as a whole.
Research from McKinsey shows that companies that are in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to outperform financially.
What are some examples of diversity and inclusion activities?
Diversity and inclusion activities can include Heritage Month and holiday celebrations, cultural crafts, cooking classes, educational games, as well as topic-focused discussions.
