Definition

Inclusivity means fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome,valued, and respected regardless of their identity or origins. Imagine a working environment where people are treated equally irrespective of their age, gender,race, ethnicity and religion. By creating such an atmosphere employees will feel free to share their ideas and point of view without fearing to be judged, this is the essence of inclusivity.

Importance of inclusivity

When a business has a diversified workforce where everyone feels valued it can change business operations, since employees will bring about new insights and skills. Which can definitely benefit a business since the number of customers will increase, enhance the reputation of the business and foster a healthy environment where everyone feels at ease and happy to come to work everyday. 

Strategies that can be used to create an inclusive workplace

  • Establish clear policies and goals

It is important for a business to review their policies and practices to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for everyone. Businesses have to make sure that they are adopting performance review best practices, this can ensure that appraisal procedure is impartial and open. Another thing that can be done is encouraging staff members to contribute in the creation and improvement of inclusive policies by giving surveys, and setting up focus group interviews that can give insightful comments and recommendations. 

  • Establish employee resource groups (ERG’s)

These are voluntary organisations that are set up to give workers from underrepresented cultures a safe place to connect, exchange stories, and speak up for their needs within the company. ERG’s are essential for creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is promoted and employees can benefit from professional development. This can lead to employees being satisfied to work in such an environment and can provide customers with quality customer service and perform their tasks well, leading to customers coming for repeat purchase and increasing their sales, and profit. 

  • Promote diverse Hiring practices

Inclusive hiring practices can strengthen a business reputation since it is open for everyone irrespective of their age, gender, and talents. Research has also shown that having a diversified workforce can increase a business productivity, come up with innovative ideas and concepts. Therefore, it is important that businesses adopt a bias-free recruitment by having a set of standardised questions that all candidates will have to answer. This ensures that all candidates will be assessed on the same criteria and factors.

  • Diversity and Inclusion Training

Businesses should train employees towards their diversity goals and ideals to reduce discriminatory incidents. This can be done by organising team building activities, work in teams with  diversified employees where different views, and opinions can be shared.

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