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Moving from Diversity to Inclusion



The benefit of having a diverse workforce has been widely proven; diverse companies have high performing teams, high employee engagement, low turnover, and increased access to talent. As a result, most companies already have some type of recruiting practice that attracts and encourages candidates from different backgrounds to apply.

Once you have a diverse team, it's crucial to have an inclusive workplace. In this context, inclusion is an organizational-wide, active and intentional, change process that celebrates uniqueness, and makes everyone feel comfortable to share their differences.

An inclusive workplace usually:

  • Displays an authentic recognition culture

  • Allows decision making at all levels

  • Fosters honest communication and feedback among all levels

  • Enables everyone to grow and succeed

  • Retains staff from all backgrounds

  • Has policies and practices that support diversity

  • Lives its core values when it comes to promoting, terminating, and hiring staff members

  • Hires candidates based on what they have to add to its culture (rather than hiring applicants who are a "good fit")

Where Do I Start?

  • Develop common language: What does Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) mean at your company?

  • Describe your D&I vision: How does it look to be diverse? How does it feel to be included?

  • Explore how your organization deals with disagreements and suggestions: Is everyone heard and taken seriously? Do people become defensive when someone voices a concern or disagreement?

  • Host focus groups and listening sessions: Does everyone feel you are inclusive? How does it feel to be different at your company?

  • Train your leaders to be culturally competent

  • Develop an ownership and accountability culture

  • Develop a D&I strategy that is based on your own needs. Measure your progress, and communicate your achievements along the way

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