A Deep Dive into the HEDR Organizational Assessment Tool: Why It Matters and How to Use It

When it comes to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI), one of the biggest challenges organizations face is knowing where they truly stand. Many organizations have good intentions, but without clear data and reflection, DEI efforts can feel scattered and hard to measure. That’s why HEDR created the Organizational Assessment Tool—a comprehensive, evidence-based resource designed to guide organizations through an honest, structured look at their practices.

What Is the HEDR Organizational Assessment Tool?

The tool is a self-assessment framework that allows organizations to evaluate their DEI practices across six key areas:

• Organizational Foundation – How well do your mission, values, and policies embed DEI principles?

• Leadership – Are your leaders modeling inclusive behaviors and driving accountability?

• Personnel Practices – Are your hiring, retention, promotion, and training processes equitable?

• Service Delivery – Are your programs, services, or products accessible and inclusive to all?

• Communications – How effectively are you communicating DEI values internally and externally?

• Performance Improvements – Are you collecting data and evolving practices over time?

The tool isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s a living document that asks organizations to back up their answers with evidence—things like policies, strategic plans, staff feedback, demographic data, and even performance reviews. Each item is scored from 1 to 3:

• 1 – Minimal progress: Conversations or planning have started.

• 2 – Partial progress: Actions are underway with some evidence.

• 3 – Substantial progress: Significant steps have been taken, supported by strong evidence.

The tool also includes an “Actions Planned” section, giving organizations the space to set future goals and acknowledge unique circumstances. For example, a small business without a board of directors can identify alternate structures that make sense for their context.

Why Organizations Need This Tool

A DEI assessment is more than an exercise—it’s the foundation for meaningful change. By using this tool, organizations can:

• Set a clear baseline and measure progress over time.

• Create a shared language so teams are aligned on DEI concepts.

• Spot strengths and gaps to inform strategy and training needs.

• Support accountability through evidence-based discussion rather than assumptions.

Most importantly, it encourages honest reflection and cultural growth, allowing organizations to see DEI not as a one-off initiative but as an ongoing commitment.

The New Self-Guided Program

To make this process accessible, HEDR is launching a self-guided program that provides step-by-step instructions on how to implement the tool. The program helps organizations:

• Form a committee to complete the toolkit collaboratively.

• Gather the right evidence and have informed discussions.

• Score each area thoughtfully and plan actionable next steps.

This approach ensures that every organization—regardless of size or sector—can move forward at its own pace while still building a robust foundation.

Why Your Feedback Matters

The tool is also designed to build collective knowledge. By sharing your feedback and results (confidentially), you help HEDR:

• Understand common challenges across sectors.

• Design targeted training and resources to address real needs.

• Create a stronger DEI ecosystem across our community.

Take the Next Step

The HEDR Organizational Assessment Tool is more than a checklist—it’s a blueprint for change. It encourages dialogue, creates accountability, and ultimately helps organizations build environments where everyone belongs.

Ready to begin? Connect with HEDR to access the tool and start your self-guided program. Together, we can turn reflection into action and data into impact.