Why Do DEIB Team-Building Activities Matter for Teams?
Diversity in the workplace drives innovation and success by creating a tapestry of different perspectives and strengths. DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) team-building activities transform heterogeneous teams into a powerhouse of collaboration where nobody is left out and everyone has the chance to showcase their best talents.
Let's talk numbers:
But the focus is not only on the bottom line. DEIB activities promote a sense of belonging and create a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. This leads to higher retention rates, increased productivity, and a more positive work environment.
The ROI of diversity initiatives is clear: As stated by Forbes, companies with above-average diversity produce a greater proportion of revenue from innovation – 45% of the total – than from companies with below-average diversity. It’s all about good values and good business!
How to Implement the Right DEIB Activities for My Team?
DEIB activities must be customized according to your team’s style and dynamics. It’s not a one-size-fits-all team-building model, but there are a few common grounds you ought to follow. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Assess your current team dynamics
- Identify specific DEIB goals
- Choose activities that align with your objectives
- Prepare necessary materials and resources
- Schedule the activities at a time convenient for all team members
When it comes to assessment tools, consider using:
- Anonymous surveys to measure the overall feelings, attitudes, and opinions of the team members regarding their workplace and work environment;
- Diversity mapping to visualize your team's composition;
- Cultural competence assessments to identify areas for growth;
One thing is certain: almost 80% of employees are expecting their managers to implement and improve DEIB initiatives. That tells you everything you need to know about how important DEIB initiatives are in 2025.
Set Clear Objectives
Without defining your goals, you won’t be able to choose the right DEIB activities for your team. Therefore, it’s important to:
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for DEIB activities.
- For example: “My goal for the team is to increase employee engagement scores by 15% within 6 months through monthly diversity workshops”.
- Make sure your DEIB activities support your company's values and overall goals. This helps get leaders on board.
Create Safe Spaces
Even though this seems obvious, don’t underestimate the importance of creating a healthy sharing environment for all.
- Implement a “no-judgment” policy during activities to encourage open dialogue.
- Use team-building icebreakers to build trust before diving into sensitive topics.
- According to the Harvard Business Review, psychological safety is fundamental for team performance and innovation. It allows employees to take moderate risks, speak their minds, be creative, and “stick their neck out without fear of having it cut off “.
Establishing Ground Rules
- Co-create guidelines with participants. For example, “everyone has one minute to share something about themselves before the activity”, and “when it’s time to listen, listen to understand, not to respond”.
- Use the “LARA” method: Listen, Affirm, Respond, and Add information to build respect and explore your differences openly.
- Facilitators should model respectful communication and intervene when necessary.
Training Facilitators
To effectively implement DEIB activities, facilitators are essential. However, having training in diversity and inclusivity is key:
- Provide cultural competency training to facilitators.
- Teach active listening skills and conflict resolution techniques.
- Ensure facilitators understand intersectionality and can address complex DEIB issues.
As stated by Deloitte, “diversity without inclusion is not enough”. Trained facilitators will help DEIB activities run smoothly and ensure nobody is left out.
Top 21 Diversity Team-Building Activities for 2025
From raising cultural awareness to identifying hidden biases in your daily actions, our top 21 diversity team-building activities will help your team thrive and make the most of everyone’s differences.
Cultural Awareness Activities
According to Oxford Review, cultural awareness is the ability to recognize, understand, and appreciate the differences and similarities between cultures. Cultural awareness activities are initiatives designed to increase sensitivity to diversity. Here are a few examples:
1. Story Circles
Story Circles is a crowd favorite. Gather your team to share personal stories related to their cultural backgrounds or experiences related to diversity. This activity builds empathy and allows employees to foster deeper connections with each other.
Step-by-step:
- Arrange a circle of chairs in a quiet space.
- Set a theme, such as “a moment when you felt included or excluded” or “I felt privileged when…”
- Each participant takes turns sharing their story (3-5 minutes each).
- Encourage active listening without any interruptions or judgments.
- After everyone shares, reflect as a group on common themes or insights.
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Required materials: Chairs
Group size: 6-20 participants
Why it works for teams: Encourages vulnerability, builds trust, and promotes cultural awareness between team members.
2. Cultural Dress Day
Celebrate diversity by inviting team members to wear traditional attire from their cultures on a designated day/event. To top it up, add a diverse playlist to your gathering where you include music from all over the world.
Step-by-step:
- Announce the event in advance and explain the purpose: celebrating diversity.
- Everyone wears their attire on the day of the event.
- Encourage participants to share the significance of their attire during a group session or over lunch.
- Create a photo wall to celebrate the team’s diversity visually.
Duration: Full workday or during a team lunch/event
Required materials: None
Group size: Any size
Why it works for teams: Promotes cultural pride and opens dialogue about traditions. It’s adaptable to remote teams as well.
3. Cultural Potluck
Host a potluck where team members bring dishes representing their cultural roots, creating an opportunity to taste new recipes and learn more about your colleagues’ heritages.
Step-by-step:
- Share guidelines for the potluck such as “Bring a dish that represents your culture”.
- Set up tables with labels for each dish, including its name and origin.
- Each participant introduces their dishes during the meal.
- Time to eat!
- Conclude with a group reflection on what everyone learned about different cultures.
Duration: 1-2 hours (lunchtime)
Required materials: Labels, utensils, plates, napkins
Group size: Any size
Why it works for teams: It’s a learning experience that encourages cultural exchange and strengthens team bonds through food.
4. Book Club on Diversity
Start a book club with your team that focuses on literature exploring themes of diversity and inclusion. This is an excellent activity that is sure to spark important discussions and learning opportunities.
Step-by-step:
- Select a book relevant to DEIB topics, such as “ The Waymakers”, by Tara Jaye Frank or “The Inclusive Organization”, by Netta Jenkins (Forbes recommendations).
- Set a timeline for reading
- Host regular discussions (in-person or virtual) to share insights and perspectives.
- Conclude with actionable takeaways on how to apply lessons learned in the workplace.
Duration: Weekly/biweekly sessions over 4-6 weeks
Required materials: Books or eBooks for participants, discussion questions
Group size: 6-15 participants per group
Why it works for teams: Facilitates deeper understanding of diversity topics and encourages open dialogue.
5. Cross-Cultural Mentorship
Pair team members from different cultural backgrounds in mentorship roles to encourage mutual learning and support. This activity breaks down barriers and fosters diversity.
Step-by-step:
- Make a list of participants.
- Pair them based on complementary skills.
- Provide guidelines for mentorship discussions, like career goals or cultural experiences.
- Schedule regular check-ins over a set period.
- Conclude with feedback sessions to assess outcomes and insights gained.
Duration: Ongoing (between 3-6 months)
Required materials: None
Group size: Up to 50 participants (in pairs or small groups)
Why it works for teams: Builds cross-cultural understanding and strengthens professional relationships.
6. Dance Exchange
Organize a team event where each person showcases a traditional dance from their culture. Each participant shows a basic step or shares a fun fact about these dances. It’s an effective way to celebrate heritage and have fun with your crew.
Step-by-step:
- Invite volunteers to teach dances from their cultural backgrounds.
- Clear an open space for dancing and provide music.
- Split into small groups to practice steps before performing together.
Duration: 1 hour
Required materials: Music player, open space
Group size: 10-20 participants
Why it works for teams: Encourages collaboration, physical activity, and cultural appreciation. It’s a personalized learning experience for all.
7. Diversity Film Screenings
Screen films that explore diversity-related themes, followed by discussions to unpack narratives and encourage reflection.
Step-by-step:
- Select an impactful film, such as “The Hate U Give” or “Hidden Figures”.
- Create a comfortable viewing space and provide snacks.
- Facilitate a post-screening discussion about key themes.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Required materials: Film access, projector/screen, seating area
Group size: Any size
Why it works for teams: It’s an engaging way to start important conversations about diversity while building empathy.
8. Virtual Cultural Tours
This is an inclusive virtual team-building activity your team will learn a lot from. Use virtual reality or online platforms to explore different cultures and traditions. This activity offers immersive experiences that broaden perspectives.
Step-by-step:
- Choose destinations that reflect diverse cultures, like virtual tours of historical landmarks like the Great Wall of China or Machu Picchu.
- Use VR headsets or online tools like Google Arts & Culture for accessibility.
- Facilitate discussions after the tour about what participants found most interesting.
Duration: 30 minutes–1 hour
Required materials: VR headsets (optional), laptops/tablets
Group size: Up to 20 participants
Why it works for teams: Provides an entertaining way to learn about global cultures without leaving the workplace or home office.
Bias Recognition Exercises
Bias recognition exercises are activities structured to help individuals identify and understand their own unconscious biases and how those biases can affect their perceptions and behaviors. Check these out:
9. Implicit Bias Workshops
Implicit Bias Workshops are designed to help individuals become aware of their implicit biases and equip them with tools and strategies to act objectively. Help your team uncover and address unconscious biases through structured workshops that promote awareness and inclusivity.
Step-by-step:
- Hire a trained facilitator or use internal resources to guide the session.
- The workshop should start with an introduction to implicit bias and its effects on decision-making and workplace culture.
- Use interactive exercises, such as case studies or role-playing, to help participants identify their own biases.
- Conclude with actionable strategies for reducing bias in the office.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Required materials: Presentation slides and handouts
Group size: 10-20 participants per session
Why it works for teams: This is an activity that encourages self-reflection, builds awareness, and through that fosters a more inclusive workplace culture.
10. Interactive Diversity Workshops
These Interactive Diversity Workshops use role-playing and simulations to teach the principles of inclusion. It’s a practical way for teams to immerse in make-believe scenarios and transpose their knowledge to real life.
Step-by-step:
- Choose a focus area (e.g., gender equity, cultural diversity).
- Design activities like role reversals or real-world problem-solving scenarios.
- Facilitate group discussions to debrief and share insights after each activity.
- End with a brainstorming session on how to apply lessons learned in the workplace.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Required materials: Facilitator, scenario scripts, optional props for role-play
Group size: 10-30 participants
Why it works for teams: These workshops promote empathy, collaboration, and practical understanding of daily inclusion challenges.
11. Privilege Walk
The Privilege Walk is a reflective exercise that demonstrates how certain individuals in a group benefit from advantages based on factors like socioeconomic status, race, gender, or sexual orientation, while others face systemic barriers.
Step-by-step:
- Create a list of statements reflecting privileges, for example: “I have never been judged by my name”.
- Have participants stand in a line and take steps forward or backward based on the statements read aloud.
- Reflect as a group on the visual disparities that emerge.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Required materials: Open space, pre-written privilege statements
Group size: 10-20 participants
Why it works for teams: This activity increases awareness about privilege and fosters relevant conversations about equity.
Inclusive Communication Games
These games and activities teach employees respectful and effective communication across different styles while ensuring everyone feels heard. Here are a few examples:
12. Language Exchange
The Language Exchange is a fun and interactive activity where team members share their native languages with each other. Employees teach basic words, phrases, and pronunciation, promoting an appreciation for language diversity and cross-cultural communication skills within the team.
Step-by-step:
- Pair employees/create small groups with employees who speak different languages.
- Have each participant teach simple phrases (e.g., greetings, thank you).
- Rotate roles so everyone has a chance to teach and learn.
- Conclude with a fun quiz.
Duration: 30 minutes–1 hour
Required materials: None
Group size: 6-10 participants per group
Why it works for teams: Builds appreciation for different languages and encourages cross-cultural exchanges.
13. Inclusion Panels
Inclusion Panels involve inviting a group of speakers to share their personal and professional experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These panels provide valuable testimonials, challenge assumptions, and create space for open dialogue. Team members learn about inclusion in the workplace from different perspectives.
Step-by-step:
- Invite panelists from diverse backgrounds within or outside the organization.
- Prepare questions addressing key DEIB topics.
- Allow time for audience Q&A to encourage dialogue.
- Summarize key takeaways.
Duration: 1 hour
Required materials: Microphones, auditorium/meeting room, questions
Group size: Any size
Why it works for teams: These panels provide fresh perspectives and are excellent conversation-starters on the topic of inclusion.
14. Inclusive Language Training
Inclusive Language Training is a workshop developed to educate team members on the importance of using respectful and unbiased language in all forms of communication. By identifying and avoiding exclusionary terms, employees adopt inclusive vocabulary and develop communication strategies that promote a healthy environment for everyone.
Step-by-step:
- Start with an overview of why inclusive language matters.
- Provide examples of inclusive vs. non-inclusive phrases, like using “partner” instead of “husband/wife”.
- Use role-playing exercises where participants practice rephrasing sentences.
- End with a resource sheet or glossary for reference.
Duration: 1 hour
Required materials: Presentation slides, handouts with examples/glossary
Group size: 10–25 participants per session
Why it works for teams: This training encourages respectful communication and creates a more welcoming workplace for all.
Team Cohesion Activities
These activities bring teams together through challenges, games, and interactive classes. They are focused on collaboration and teamwork. Check them out:
15. Team Diversity Mural
The Team Diversity Mural is a standout art team-building activity where participants create a mural that represents the different cultures, backgrounds, and identities within the group. This project encourages artistic expression while celebrating diversity.
Step-by-step:
- Provide a large canvas, poster board, or wall space for the mural.
- Supply art materials such as paints, markers, and brushes.
- Ask each team member to contribute an element that reflects their cultural background or identity. They can be symbols, colors, or words.
- Combine individual contributions into one mural.
- Display the completed mural in a shared workspace as a symbol of team diversity.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Required materials: Canvas/poster board, paints, markers, brushes
Group size: 6-20 participants
Why it works for teams: This art project contributes to the appreciation of individual identities while promoting creativity and teamwork.
16. Cooking Classes
Cooking Classes allow team members to share their own cultural roots by teaching others how to prepare traditional dishes. This hands-on activity fosters connection through food and is a delicious way to explore different cultures.
Step-by-step:
- Ask for volunteers to teach their favorite traditional recipes.
- Organize the class in a kitchen space or bring cooking equipment to the office.
- Provide ingredients and cooking tools for each recipe.
- Have participants cook together and learn about the meaning of each dish.
- Finish with a team meal.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Required materials: Ingredients, cooking equipment, recipes
Group size: 6-15 participants
Why it works for teams: Cooking classes are great for fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and bonding over a team meal.
17. Diversity Trivia Games
Diversity Trivia Games are fun and educational activities where teams compete by answering questions about different cultures, traditions, and histories. This activity promotes learning while sparking conversations about diversity.
Step-by-step:
- Prepare trivia questions focused on diverse topics, like global holidays.
- Divide participants into small teams.
- Use a quiz platform (like Kahoot!) or printed question cards to run the game.
- Award points for correct answers and offer small prizes for the winning team.
Duration: 30 minutes–1 hour
Required materials: Trivia questions (digital or printed), optional prizes for winners
Group size: 6-20 participants
Why it works for teams: This trivia game combines learning with friendly competition and increases cultural awareness.
18. Identity Mapping
Identity Mapping is an introspective activity where team members come up with visual maps of their personal identities, including aspects like values, hobbies, and beliefs. Sharing these maps helps teammates understand each other on a deeper level and promotes self-awareness.
Step-by-step:
- Provide paper or templates for identity maps along with markers or pens.
- Ask participants to map out key elements of their identity (e.g., nationality, family traditions, hobbies).
- Once completed, have each participant share their map with the group.
- Facilitate a discussion about commonalities and differences within the team.
Duration: 45 minutes–1 hour
Required materials: Paper/templates, markers/pens
Group size: 6–15 participants
Why it works for teams: Builds self-awareness and fosters connections by highlighting individual features.
19. Cultural Artifact Sharing
Cultural Artifact Sharing invites team members to bring an item from their culture, like an item of clothing, artwork, or tools. The goal is to explain its significance to the group. This activity enriches cultural knowledge while sharing personal experiences.
Step-by-step:
- Ask participants to bring an artifact that represents their culture or heritage (e.g., traditional clothing, family heirlooms).
- Create a relaxed setting where each person can present their artifact to the group.
- Encourage them to share its history, significance, or any personal stories tied to it.
- Facilitate group discussions after each presentation to deepen understanding.
Duration: 1 hour
Required materials: None
Group size: 6–15 participants
Why it works for teams: Promotes cultural knowledge through storytelling and celebrates employees’ backgrounds.
20. The Name Story
In the Name Story employees share the origins and meanings behind their names. Whether it’s a cultural tradition or a family legacy, this activity creates a space for connection and understanding.
Step-by-step:
- Gather the team in person or virtually.
- Ask each participant to share the story behind their first name, last name, or nickname.
- Encourage active listening and allow time for questions or reflection.
Duration: 30 minutes–1 hour
Required materials: None
Group size: Any size
Why it works for teams: This game builds empathy and celebrates individual identities.
21. Diversity Talent Treasure Hunt
The Diversity Talent Treasure Hunt is an exciting game that highlights the talents of your team members while celebrating their unique skills and cultural backgrounds. Employees must guess which talents belong to whom by gathering clues and asking questions. In the end, there’s a showcase of everyone’s abilities.
Step-by-step:
- Ask team members to submit one hidden talent, like playing an instrument, speaking multiple languages, or traditional dance.
- Compile a list of talents without revealing who submitted them.
- Organize the group into small teams and provide clues to help them guess which talent belongs to whom.
- Once guesses are made, have participants showcase their talents for the group.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Required materials: List of talents
Group size: 8-20 participants
Why it works for teams: This talent show celebrates individuality and fosters appreciation for skills and traditions.
Wrapping Up
In 2025, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace is not an option but an essential strategy to build stronger and more collaborative teams. The 21 DEIB activities outlined in this guide provide practical ways to acknowledge and celebrate differences, creating a culture where every team member feels valued.
To make these initiatives truly impactful, having the right partner can make all the difference. TeamOut specializes in organizing inclusive team-building experiences that align with your company’s goals.
With access to over 4,000 vetted venues worldwide and a team of expert planners, we help you craft activities that bring teams closer and drive lasting results. TeamOut's platform simplifies the process, helping you find the perfect location while saving up to 30% on venue costs.
Ready to take your team’s diversity and inclusion efforts to the next level? Book a free call with TeamOut today and start planning activities that will inspire your team and transform your workplace culture!
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