- Introduction
- How to Create an Inclusive Workplace Culture
- Institute Inclusive Trainings for New Employees
- Initiate Flexible Work Hours for Employees
- Create a DEI Policy
- Undergo Bias Sensitivity Hiring Training
- Focus on Accessibility
- Consult the experts
Being tasked with creating an inclusive workplace is exciting. You get to be at the forefront of making your organization a brighter, more dynamic place where ideas can thrive. However, this task can quickly become overwhelming as you dig into the many moving pieces that make a workplace truly inclusive.
The truth is that this isn’t a one-person job. It’s not even a team job. When done correctly, inclusiveness initiatives are whole-organization efforts that invite everyone to build a bigger, better workplace culture. Here’s a quick blueprint for creating a more inclusive workplace.
Institute Inclusive Training for New Employees
One of the best ways to help inclusiveness take root at your organization is to build it into training. When employment is fresh and new, employees have the time and openness to learn about company policies and best practices. They can take this information with them into the first day to mesh effortlessly with company culture.
Initiate Flexible Work Hours for Employees
Flexibility is a core tenet of workplace accessibility in many thriving organizations. Allowing employees to have a say in their own schedules (within reason) creates a culture of self-confident and organizational loyalty. In addition to creating settings for more dynamic and efficient work, flexible work hours give employees a reciprocity motivation to do their best for the organization that so clearly does its best for them.
Create a DEI Policy
You can’t hold employees to a standard you never told them about. This is why having a clearly stated, clearly shared DEI policy is essential. It’s up to your organization to determine how in-depth this policy will be. However, having at least some basic standards in place can create a culture of safety and inclusion for all. Depending on your preference, this can include anything from a DEI handbook to annual DEI training.
Undergo Bias Sensitivity Hiring Training
All human resources employees and managers should undergo bias sensitivity training. This training helps those in decision-making roles to reduce unconscious attitudes and behaviors that may impact their decisions when making promotions or hiring new employees.
Focus on Accessibility
Finally, focusing both broadly and in detail on accessibility is a hallmark of an inclusive workplace. Accessibility initiatives allow employees to fully participate in both their job roles and the workplace culture.
The obvious principles of accessibility apply to being able to safely physically access all parts of the workplace. However, there are also cultural and digital barriers that need to be considered under the umbrella of accessibility.
Consult the Experts to Get Started Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Organization
Learning how to create a more inclusive workplace isn’t always easy when breaking ground on a new company culture. That’s why bringing in inclusion consultants can be a smart idea for successful implementation.