Diversity and inclusion must go hand in hand in the workplace. Much has been invested in hiring a diverse workforce, but it is imperative to create an inclusive work culture within the company so that everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of background, gender, or health.
By creating a truly inclusive work culture, your employees will be more engaged, more productive and stay longer in the company. There are multiple characteristics that define an inclusive work culture. Some of them are listed below.
- Fell sense of belonging
- Have a voice
- Value recognition
- Learning and developing opportunities
- Improved collaboration
- Access to resources
But how do you create an inclusive work culture in your organization. Fret not, for we have some suggestions for you. They are listed below.
- Utilize inclusive language
- Create safe space
- Open to employee feedback
- More holidays
- Diversity training
- Diversity training support groups
- Policies against discrimination
- Create employee resource groups
- Develop mentorship programs
Let’s go through some of the above points.
Create Safe Space
Part of an inclusive work culture is caring for the comfort and safety of all employees, especially for underrepresented groups. For example, unisex comfort rooms or restrooms for transgender employees.
People with disabilities must have access to a safe and comfortable work environment so that they can perform their job duties properly. Inclusive workplaces can also be promoted by allowing employees to spend time with each other.
Host team lunches, office support groups, or networking events to connect with others who have shared experiences. These company events foster a safe and open environment that allows employees to converse and discuss issues important to the community. Create a productive team environment where all employees can make creative contributions or offer solutions to problems.
Open to Employee Feedback
First, you need to understand the current state of the culture, what is working, what needs to be changed or improved, and what could be eliminated. Openness is critical to creating an inclusive workplace culture, which means listening to the employees.
Conduct face-to-face meetings and interviews, anonymous employee surveys and workshops to gather feedback. The goal is a clear and honest discussion.
Be prepared to receive negative and positive feedback on what is working from the ground up to middle and senior management. To get effective feedback, it’s important to be able to give feedback in a way that gets both parties on the same page. It is difficult to know all the norms and expectations of a certain group.
Avoid communication errors by avoiding indirect statements. Use direct statements. Discuss communication and collaboration preferences and work methods.
Diversity Training
The purpose of diversity training is to address prejudices and stereotypes within the organization. Effective training ranges from training employees to understanding different cultures, but also learning to work with others, considering different backgrounds and perspectives.
At the basic level, training includes awareness of different types of differences, understanding and evaluating employee differences, and sharing information and tips to improve employee communication skills to create a positive work environment. A deeper approach would be to teach employees how to respectfully interact with colleagues from different backgrounds or from someone else’s perspective.
Another option would be to focus on reducing prejudice and discrimination based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, physical and mental abilities, and economic status. Or you can also design your own training program to address various issues related to DEI, such as unconscious bias management and cross-cultural communication.
