Inclusion in the workplace – what does it really mean?
To me, an inclusive workplace looks like a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees. Inclusive workplaces celebrate diversity and should actively work to promote equal opportunities, regardless of race, disability, gender, age, religion, experience, or sexual orientation.
Let’s talk about inclusion and diversity; the challenges, the importance, the benefits and tips for improving inclusion in the workplace.
For some people, creating inclusivity may come naturally, but for others, it may require a conscious effort, and it’s important to understand that inclusion is more than just diversity; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
One of the big challenges in creating an inclusive environment is unconscious bias. Unconscious bias refers to the biases we hold that we’re not aware of. These biases can influence our decisions and perceptions, and can ultimately affect how we treat others. To overcome unconscious bias, it’s important to recognise and challenge our assumptions and stereotypes. We can do this by exposing ourselves to different perspectives, experiences, and cultures, and by having open and honest conversations with others.
Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to their work. An inclusive workplace culture sends a clear message to customers, and the community that the business values diversity and is committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity. They can also attract a more diverse pool of talent, which can lead to fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation.
So, how can businesses create more inclusive workplaces?
Here are some tips to consider:
Promote a culture of inclusion: Start by promoting a culture of inclusion in all aspects of the business, from recruitment to day-to-day operations. This can include developing policies and procedures that promote inclusivity, providing diversity and inclusion training for employees, and encouraging open and respectful communication.
Increase diversity and inclusivity in hiring: To create a more inclusive workplace, businesses can aim to increase diversity in their hiring processes. This can include simplifying the recruitment process, actively seeking out and recruiting diverse candidates, conducting blind resume reviews to eliminate potential bias, offering training and development opportunities to all employees, and creating a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.
Provide reasonable accommodations: Businesses can also provide reasonable support and accommodations to employees with disabilities or other needs to ensure they can perform their jobs effectively and to the best of their ability. This can include providing assistive technologies, accessible facilities, and flexible work arrangements. By providing accommodations for employees with disabilities, businesses can ensure that all employees can perform at their best and set them up for success.
Encourage open communication: It’s essential to have clear communication and open channels of conversation, and ensuring that you use inclusive language in the workplace. This means listening actively, empathising with others, and valuing their perspectives. It’s important to create a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings and opinions without fear of judgement or reprisal.
Hold leadership accountable: Finally, businesses can hold their leadership and management accountable for setting the standard of creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. This can involve setting clear diversity and inclusion goals, tracking progress, and holding leaders responsible for meeting these goals.
Creating an inclusive workplace is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment; inclusivity is essential for businesses to succeed and for employees to feel appreciated and supported. It’s important to be open to feedback and willing to make changes and improvements as needed. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, and by promoting a culture of inclusion, increasing diversity in recruitment, providing reasonable accommodations, encouraging open communication, and holding leadership accountable, businesses can create a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Remember, diversity is a strength, and when we embrace it, we all thrive.
