How to Improve Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
Whether you turn on the news, tune into a podcast, or scroll through your social media feed, you’ll encounter one word repeatedly: burnout.
Under late-stage capitalism, workplaces are increasingly hostile places to spend most of the day. Employers are desperate to transform companies so they can continue to increase profits without losing quality employees.
Breaks, incentives, and gimmicks aren’t enough. The key is a focus on workplace diversity and inclusion. When employees feel welcome at work, they’re happier and more loyal.
The question is: how do you accomplish that? Continue reading to learn more about DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and explore our tips for improving your workplace.
How to Promote Diversity
Diversity describes characteristics that make people unique. A diverse workplace includes individuals representing different faiths, racial groups, genders, and sexualities.
Many employers are creating a diverse workforce through global expansion. Other ways to increase diversity include:
- Building a hybrid or remote team of global employees
- Confronting your unconscious bias during the hiring process
- Incorporating flexibility surrounding religious and cultural holidays
- Ensuring equal pay in your workplace
- Utilize inclusive job postings to welcome diverse candidates
Take a look at the makeup of your executive team. Incorporate diversity at all levels of your organization’s structure. True diversity starts from the top, so model what you hope to see.
Ways to Increase Equity
Equity describes fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of background. For example, do men make more money than gender minority employees in similar roles? Does the ethnic majority make as much as minority employees?
This process usually starts with an audit. If you cannot identify the issue, you cannot fix the problem. With data-driven concerns like wage equity, there’s no reason not to explore trends and patterns.
Remember, equity is not the same as equality. The goal isn’t equal treatment for all employees. It should be fair treatment for all employees.
Can you provide more accommodations for employees with disabilities?
How to Boost Inclusion
Inclusion describes ensuring all individuals receive respect. Balance can be tricky. You must ensure you acknowledge differences without making anyone feel like an outsider.
The key to improving inclusion is flexibility. Parents and members of certain religious groups may need extra time off. They will perform better if they can meet their outside obligations.
Also, consider the following:
- Let employees share their culture at work
- Mix up your teams
- Provide training to close knowledge gaps
- Allow employees to set their schedule
- Consider a hybrid workplace with remote options
Earning a living should never be a hardship. Inclusion means helping workers achieve a work-life balance.
Prioritize Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
Workplace diversity and inclusion do more than make your office a more pleasant place to spend the workday. You’ll build a network of experiences that can help you reach more customers. Anyone who interacts with your company will feel seen, heard, and represented.
What else are you doing to improve the workplace for your hardworking team members? Browse the rest of the blog for more tips and ideas to boost performance.
Transforming Campus Visits: Interactive Maps & Virtual Tours
How to Improve Workplace Diversity and Inclusion