Creating a more inclusive workforce is not only the right thing to do but can also be good for business. Studies have shown that companies with more diverse workforces are more successful than those without. So how can you create a more inclusive workplace? Here are six tips to get you started.
Train your employees
You can provide various training to your employees to ensure they practice inclusion in the workplace. This could include unconscious bias training, anti-harassment, and conflict resolution training. Unconscious bias training involves helping employees to become aware of the biases that they may hold against certain groups of people. Anti-harassment training will teach employees what constitutes harassment and how to avoid it. Conflict resolution training will help employees to resolve conflicts more constructively.
You can also consider bystander intervention training, which can help employees intervene when they witness someone being harassed or excluded. Consider enrolling your employees in this course to help them create a more inclusive workplace. Remember that when your employees are more aware of these issues, they will be better equipped to handle them. They will also be able to act appropriately when they witness them happening.
Encourage employees to be allies
Allies are people who stand up for marginalized groups, even if they are not members of those groups themselves. Encourage your employees to be allies at work by creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable speaking up. For instance, you can establish ground rules for discussions about sensitive topics. You can also create employee resource groups (ERGs) for employees to join if they want to be allies. These groups provide support and guidance on how to be an ally in the workplace. You can also encourage your employees to participate in mentorship programs where they can help mentor people from marginalized groups.
Eliminate barriers to entry and advancement
Make sure your workplace is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Remove barriers to entry or advancement, so everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. These barriers include limited work hours, lack of affordable childcare, and inaccessible workspaces. You can create a more inclusive workplace for all by eliminating these barriers. It would be best if you also considered implementing flexible and accommodating policies for employees with different needs.
Hire a more diverse workforce
One of the best ways to create a more inclusive workplace is to hire a more diverse workforce. Make an effort to reach out to underrepresented groups and consider things like race, gender, and sexual orientation in your hiring decisions. For example, you can create a task force to focus on diversity in your hiring process. This task force can work to identify qualified candidates from underrepresented groups. You can also use blind resumes when reviewing candidates so that you are not biased based on their names or other information. By hiring a more diverse workforce, you will make your workplace more inclusive for everyone.
Provide support for employees
If you want your employees to feel included, you must give them the support they need. This could include offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, and having an open-door policy. Flexible work arrangements can help employees to balance their work and personal lives better. This could include things like telecommuting, flexible hours, and job sharing. By providing mental health resources, you can help employees to deal with any stress or anxiety they may be feeling. And finally, by having an open-door policy, you can create a workplace where employees feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns or issues.
Create a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment
Discrimination and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in your workplace. Create a clear and concise policy that outlines what is not acceptable and the consequences for breaking the policy. For example, your policy could state that any form of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, will result in immediate termination. Having a zero-tolerance policy in place can send your employees a clear message that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated. Be sure to enforce this policy equally and fairly. Anyone who breaks the policy will be held accountable regardless of their position or status in the company.
These are just some ways you can create a more inclusive workplace. By taking these steps, you can make your workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected. You will also be able to create a more inclusive workplace that is good for business and is the right thing to do. Do your part to make the world a more welcoming place for everyone.