Best Practices: Self-Identification

Employee self-identification is a foundational practice for measuring DEI progress, identifying systemic barriers, and advancing equitable workplace outcomes. This guide outlines best practices for designing and implementing voluntary self-identification campaigns that prioritize trust, confidentiality, and legal compliance. It provides practical guidance on inclusive survey design, employee communications, ERG engagement, global considerations, and responsible use of self-ID data to inform strategy and resource allocation. Designed for HR, talent, and DEI leaders, the resource helps organizations collect meaningful demographic data while strengthening employee trust and fostering a culture of inclusion.