4 ways to promote workplace inclusion in your organization

What is diversity and how is it different from inclusion?

Diversity: describes people with a variety of identities, values, perspectives, abilities, and more

Inclusion: the actof celebrating together and making sure everyone feels valued regardless of background

Photo by fauxels

Why is workplace inclusion so important?

All employees develop a sense of identity from being in supportive workplace cultures. This really encourages everyone's attitudes and behaviors to be positive toward each other.

When employees actively include colleagues, it creates an environment where people want to work at and creates a positive difference in the workplace.

Even employees who may not be in traditional leadership positions can still take action on workplace inclusion! Here's how you can be an inclusive leader at any level of the company:

• Advocate for inclusion — know your value and respectfully speak up for things that mean to you!

• Be mindful of how you communicate — have an open and receptive conversation.

• Know your biases — recognize your own and challenge them as well.

Check out this Byte to learn more on how to deal with unconscious bias 💡

Be open to communication and be receptive.

When a report was not submitted from your team at the deadline...

Instead of saying: ⭕

We submitted our report late because you didn't finish your task on time.

Try saying: ✅

I noticed the report wasn't submitted ontime. Anything I can assist with in the future?

When coming from a more curious mindset, we can be more receptive.

Invite diverse conversations and embrace varieties and differences.

When a colleague is celebrating and is practicing a tradition/custom...

Instead of saying: ⭕

That's a lot of rules to follow when you're fasting for Ramadan. Sounds really difficult.

Try saying: ✅

You have so much commitment and that's really admirable.

Remember, sometimes listening is just as important (if not more) than saying something back.

Know and acknowledge our own biases.

When a colleague from a different age group is picking up a new project...

Instead of saying: ⭕

This might not be something you're familiar with since this is referrring to a trend that was several years ago and you're a bit young. Are you sure you can handle this task?

Try saying: ✅

Nice work taking on a new project! Let me know if you need anything.

Being supportive of your colleagues regardless of their actions can put our biases at bay.

Photo by Kampus Production

Your colleague reached out to you to share that they didn't feel included in the last meeting everyone was just in.

They said, "I had a lot of ideas about the recent campaign project for the community. Even though I didn't grow up in the same community as some employees here, I didn't feel heard at all and I didn't know what to do. It was a frustrating experience."

How can you respond?

A. "I've never experienced prejudice in this company before."

B. "Are you sure it appeared that way? Maybe you're being too uptight about it."

C. "I'm so sorry to hear that. Mind telling me more about what happened?"

D. "That does sound frustrating. I'd like to support you. How can I help?"

Take time to get to know your colleagues' backgrounds and be curious about different customs.

Foster positive relationships by attending sessions or lunch-and-learns

Work cross-functionally with team members welcoming different viewpoints. Proactively allow members to feel like they're welcome and they belong.

Participating in employee surveys can support your company in keeping track of measurable goals and results when it comes to workplace inclusion.

Start thinking about these basic questions:

• Am I treated fairly at work?

• Am I respected at work?

• Are my ideas heard and valued?

• Am I welcomed and safe?

• Can I communicate in a clear, honest, and open way?

• Do my colleagues care about me?

• Is the leadership team as diverse as the entire workforce?

Leading by example, encouraging open communication, embracing a safe space, and giving valuable feedback are 4 different ways to promote workplace inclusion.

Start making a difference now!