Inclusive Workplace: Real Examples of Diversity and Inclusion

Creating a diverse workplace and promoting inclusion are essential for having a good team. Employers who hire globally should put more focus on inclusion in the workplace. Their employees will likely come from different cultures and have diverse backgrounds.

You need to create inclusive behavior in your workplace to attract global talent to your company. By having inclusivity standards in place, you can enjoy all the benefits of diverse teams. But, only some employers understand in-depth what these terms mean. Only a few leaders know how to adopt them in their workplace.

Let’s discuss these terms to help you apply them to your business. It will help you understand what a diverse workplace looks like. You'll understand the benefits of having an inclusive environment, and how to adopt it.

What is workplace inclusion?

Workplace inclusion means creating an environment where every team member feels valued. When the term diversity accompanies it, it means that everyone is heard. With inclusivity, everybody has the same options, regardless of their identity and background.

An inclusive workplace also means that everyone has the same growth opportunities. An employee's background doesn’t affect advancements. You can provide a healthy and safe environment by creating an inclusive workplace. Your employees will be more productive and stay with your company longer.

What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?

Diversity in the workplace got plenty of spotlight in the last couple of years. Diversity and inclusion should go hand in hand in the workplace. But, studies show that not all diverse teams are inclusive as well.

Diversity counts the employees based on their race, age, gender, disability, and other factors. A company whose employees tick all the diversity boxes is good. Inclusion is of greater importance, though. It measures how well each of these groups is represented and valued.

What are the benefits of creating inclusive behavior in the workplace?

The benefits of inclusive behavior in the workplace are significant. They revolve around increased employee happiness in the workplace. This translates into more creativity and innovation. It also means better productivity, employee engagement, and better retention rates.

Companies focus on inclusivity to explore the potential of their diverse team. Employees who feel valued and appreciated will be happy to engage with the company’s initiatives. They'll also provide valuable input for the organization as a whole.

Your employees will contribute their unique expertise if they feel they can be their authentic selves. They will be more open to sharing ideas that can help your company grow.

An inclusive workplace means that your employees aren’t holding back. They don't have to worry their authenticity will negatively impact their career opportunities.

Also, if your diverse employees feel valued and appreciated, it will create a sense of loyalty. Loyal employees are more likely to stay with your company than search for better roles.

What does an inclusive workplace look like?

Companies that have an inclusive culture share some similarities. There are a few questions that can help you understand your employees’ opinions on whether your workplace is inclusive or not.

1. Does each of your employees have a sense of belonging to the company?

You’ve succeeded in creating an inclusive workplace if all employees have a sense of belonging to the company. Your employees feel like they belong if they can relate to other people in the company. This also creates a positive environment. Employees feel more motivated to contribute to your company if they feel a part of it.

2. Are your employees feeling heard and is their input appreciated?

In an inclusive workplace, everyone’s opinion matters. You know you’ve created an inclusive workplace if your employees feel safe enough to speak their minds. There should be no place for fear of repercussions in an inclusive workplace.

Taking positive action based on their input makes the employees feel heard. This will motivate your employees to share their experiences and knowledge, which will in turn help your company. It will provide you with all the benefits of having a diverse team in the first place. You’ll be able to leverage their expertise and use it to improve business and work processes.

3. Does everyone at your company have the same opportunities? Are we providing access to learning and development opportunities to everyone?

Companies offer opportunities for learning and development. It’s an effective way for companies to prove they care about their employees' personal and professional growth.

To create an inclusive environment, these opportunities must be available to all employees. Look for options that can meet individual needs. Prioritize those that don't discriminate based on age, gender, or role in the company.

4. Does your company support and encourage collaboration in the team?

Good collaboration between your teams and team members is essential. In a healthy and positive work environment, each member of your team gets to show their unique skill set and expertise.

As a company, you should encourage your team and members to collaborate. You should create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing. You should also make sure everyone gets credit for their contributions.

Which companies are good examples of inclusion in the workplace?

Johnson & Johnson

Many media outlets recognize Johnson & Johnson for its efforts in creating an inclusive workplace. It has 12 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and a Chief Diversity officer. The latter reports directly to the CEO and Chairman. It means that inclusivity starts at the highest level. Its ERGs work on collaboration among the employees, employee engagement, and building relationships.

Mastercard

Mastercard is another company that makes "Best Companies for Diversity" lists. It is very committed to creating inclusivity among its diverse workforce. It has established nine Business Resource Groups (BRGs), to represent diverse communities. Mastercard has also invested significant funds in various diversity initiatives.

Marriott International

Marriott International has been voted as one of the ‘World’s Best Multinational Workplaces’ by the largest annual study of workplace excellence. More than half of its team are women, and 66% of their team are people of color.

Marriott achieved this status by adopting a people-first culture. They established a "Board-level Inclusion and Social Impact Committee (ISIC)". It oversees Marriott’s strategy for establishing an inclusive and supportive work environment.

How can leaders create a more inclusive workplace?

1. Provide diversity training

Diversity training is a good start for companies looking to promote inclusive behavior. These target prejudices and stereotypes within the organization. It helps employees and leaders understand different cultures and embrace backgrounds and perspectives.

The training raises awareness of diversity types and encourages appreciation of differences. As a result, you can expect your team to have better interpersonal skills. This way, you can create a more positive work environment.

2. Have a non-discrimination policy

Another important step toward inclusivity is having a non-discrimination policy. When displayed on your website, it ensures fair recruitment practices.

But, you should also display this anti-discrimination policy in your workplace. You are showing the company's commitment to equality. It is also a solution for preventing harassment and bullying.

3. Use inclusive language

It can be hard to create an inclusive workplace without being mindful of the language used throughout the company. You should consider carefully how your words and phrases can sound.

Try to stay away from discriminatory or offensive language. Avoid making assumptions that are based on stereotypes or limited information. When in doubt, ask about your coworker's preferred language.

Apologize sincerely if you accidentally use offensive language. Be aware of the mistake, and try to avoid repeating it. If someone else uses inappropriate language, address it immediately and in private. Offer correction and guidance for the future.

4. Provide safe spaces to your employees

It's important for your diverse team to feel safe in the workplace. Consider adopting the offices to cater to different individuals. For example, consider adding accessible parking spots, or unisex bathrooms.

Spaces that provide room for conversation and collaboration should also be important. You can host lunches or in-office support groups. These will help your team members feel comfortable working for you.

5. Give employees safe routes to provide feedback

Listening to your employees is the key to inclusivity. Acting on their input can help improve the current situation in the company.

However, you need feedback from your employees to understand what needs to be better. It's essential to provide a safe route for feedback. You don't want your employees to feel scared or threatened to voice their opinion.

You can conduct one-on-one meetings with your team members. Anonymous polls and surveys may also be a good idea, or you can create workshops to collect feedback.

While collecting feedback, make sure to follow inclusive language standards. Be open to both positive and negative feedback. Try to create clear and honest conversations.

6. Celebrate employee differences

Celebrating differences is another important aspect of inclusivity. It helps signal employees they are acknowledged and appreciated, regardless of their background.

You can achieve this by updating your company calendar to include their holidays. You can also host team-building activities and cultural awareness events to share traditions. You can also establish recognition programs to praise and support diverse contributions.

7. Start at the top

All of these aspects of inclusivity are important. But, the most important one is that everyone is on the same page. You should start your inclusivity efforts from the leadership, and work your way down.

Your management should have the same level of diversity as the rest of your team. Leaders should promote inclusivity by practicing it themselves and acting as an example. Encourage your leaders to become aware of others’ experiences, skills, perspectives, and personalities.

FAQ:

How to build inclusion in the workplace?

Start by actively listening to everyone's ideas and opinions. Encourage collaboration and respect for different cultures, backgrounds, opinions, and perspectives. Provide company-wide diversity training to raise awareness and promote understanding.

Create a safe environment for your employees to be themselves. An inclusive workplace is one where everyone feels valued and included.

What elements are important in building inclusive behavior in the workplace?

The four important elements are diversity, respect, communication, and equity. Diversity ensures that your employees come from different identities and backgrounds. Respect means valuing each individual and their contributions regardless of their differences.

Communication promotes understanding and collaboration among all team members. Equity ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all employees.

What are the four key features of inclusion?

The four key inclusion features are acknowledgment, belonging, fairness, and empowerment. Acknowledgment involves understanding each person's unique identity and perspective.

Belonging means that your employees are feeling accepted as part of the team. Fairness ensures equal treatment and growth opportunities for everyone. Empowerment involves giving individuals equal support and resources they need to succeed.