FEATURE
FIVE WAYS TO START CREATING A MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE Best practices for changing your culture
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Nicole Stewart, CPHR
HRmatters / www.cphrmb.ca
egardless of industry, size or location, all organizations benefit from a diverse workforce. Not only is it ethically right to mirror the communities in the workforces that serve them; diversity can also make organizations more successful. The intersectional* nature of our experiences as members of many demographics at once gives each person valuable, unique perspectives and knowledge of the world around us. However, just because an organization is diverse doesn’t necessarily mean that those perspectives are being welcomed and that’s where inclusion comes in. The
Harvard Business Review** quotes inclusion strategist Vernā Myers as saying, “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” An inclusive environment is one where people of all ages, abilities, races, genders, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses are not only present but feel safe, respected and empowered. So how can organizational leaders strive to become more inclusive? Here are five places to start. 1 / INVEST IN INCLUSIVITY AND MAKE THOSE INVESTMENTS KNOWN.
When establishing community support plans for the upcoming year, consider the
