Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a vital part of creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. It’s not enough to just hire diverse people—you need to create an environment where those diverse people feel comfortable being themselves and advocating for their needs. Here are some ideas for making sure your company is truly inclusive:
Diversity should be representative of the people you serve
Diversity is not just about race, gender, or sexual orientation. It’s about having a variety of perspectives and experiences. A diverse team is able to bring together many different ideas and approaches to solving problems. On an inclusive team, everyone works together to find solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Inclusive teams are also more likely to be innovative because they can draw on the experience of their members from different backgrounds and fields of study. If you want your project team members engaged in your work then they must have something meaningful to contribute – this will make them feel valued.
“It helps companies attract top-tier talent, inspire their teams and create a collaborative environment that empowers every employee while keeping morale high” this is what professionals like Intuit believe!
Inclusion goes beyond just being yourself at work
Inclusion goes beyond just being yourself at work. What is an inclusive environment in the workplace? It’s about providing a space where everyone feels comfortable, accepted and celebrated for their differences. So if you’re going to talk about inclusion and diversity, then you should also celebrate the accomplishments of those who are different from you.
This means recognizing their achievements in meetings or social gatherings and acknowledging that they have unique perspectives on topics within the workplace—even if those topics seem familiar or common to most people.
This doesn’t mean asking every person of color for their opinion on police brutality, or asking every woman what she thinks about gender equality; it does mean recognizing that these are important issues to discuss as part of a broader conversation about diversity and inclusion in the workplace environment.
Discussing uncomfortable topics can be a powerful tool for inclusion
It’s important to talk about differences, as people often feel they have to hide them. This can make a person feel alone and that they are the only ones struggling with a certain aspect of their identity. A good way to start this conversation is by talking about how you felt when you learned about a difference from another person.
For example, if someone has blue eyes and you have brown eyes, maybe ask them how it felt for them when they realized their eye color was different from yours.
Celebrate differences and recognize accomplishments
Make sure to celebrate differences and recognize accomplishments. Recognition is important for everyone, not just those who are more visible or who have been in the workforce longer than others. When it comes to celebrating the achievements of others, focus on what they’ve done rather than their role within your organization.
Inclusion is about more than just your own experience. It’s about understanding the experiences of others and being intentional about creating a space that reflects all those experiences.
It starts with one person recognizing their privilege and challenging themselves to create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels welcome. If you want to create a more inclusive environment at work, start by asking yourself these questions: