What is an Inclusive Workforce?
The inclusive workforce is the backbone of a company. Inclusive workforce includes employees from marginalized communities, minorities, different race, ethnicity, sex, etc. companies strive to nurture an inclusive workforce because it brings out innovation.
“Inclusion” means creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported irrespective of their identities. Inclusion involves fostering a sense of ‘belongingness’ while acknowledging everyone and ensuring equal representation of all.
Table of content
Inclusive Workforce Benefits
An inclusive workforce values diversity. It acknowledges the differences in the workforce and ensures equal opportunity for all. An inclusive work environment makes people secure in confiding about their disabilities, visible or not.
Enhances creativity
Inclusive workspace fosters and appreciates diversity of culture and perspectives. Making employees comfortable in their workspace makes them more productive and creative.
Boosts productivity
Employees are more focused when they are offered an inclusive environment. It allows them to be more focused and productive. They feel more valued, and their creative freedom adds to their productivity.
Better employee satisfaction
Inclusive workplace creates a sense of belongingness among employees. This leads to employees voicing their opinions, which gives them the feeling of being heard.
Uplifted brand image
Companies prioritizing an inclusive workforce are more likely to be favoured by customers. This is usually because they align with their customer’s value. Also, employee value proposition will be highlighted, and the overall brand’s visibility will be increased with better recall value.
How does a Workplace Ensures an Inclusive Workforce?
Before creating an inclusive workplace, there are a few components that must be taken care of:
1. Fair policies
Creating and implementing policies that are favourable to all irrespective of their identity and background.
2. Harboring diversity
Seeking diversity at all levels of the company. For employees as well as management.
3. 2- way communication
Open communication where employees can share their concerns with the management and the other way around.
4. No tolerance for discrimination
Strictly implementing policies addressing discrimination or any other bias in the workplace.
5. Strong implementation of policies
Policies must be strongly implemented without delay. Policies not just acknowledging diversity, but also addressing discrimination or harassment of any sorts.
4 Steps to Nurture Inclusive Workforce
To nurture an inclusive workforce, the first step is to abandon old policies and to create new ones.
For one, the job needs to be accessible by people everywhere. This could be arranged through hiring agencies, job fairs, social media presence. To nurture this workforce, a few steps must be followed, such as: –
Reconstruct work policies
Constructing and developing inclusive policies that may play in favour of everyone must be top priority. The policies should promote equality, respect and fairness for all employees.
Communicate effectively
Creating an inclusive workforce is not enough on its own. Communicating expectations are also necessary. It should be seen to it that there is a two- way communication.
Employees must be able to communicate their grievances and needs as well. You could also arrange an “inclusive panel” to assist. This will make decision making more transparent.
Conduct exit interviews and feedback
Exit interviews could be helpful. This could provide a clear image of why employees leave. This may highlight the shortcomings of the company and hence it could be resolved. It is crucial for a company to know the needs of its employees.
Celebrate differences
Recognizing and acknowledging the diverse background of the employees can help bring out their uniqueness in the work, thus fostering the feeling of belongingness.
Conclusion
Inclusion creates an extraordinary work environment and employee work experience. An inclusive work environment creates belongingness and a will for employees to do their jobs effectively.
When the employees are being heard, they feel more included in the policy and decision making of the company. This helps company or the brand have a better reputation as it aligns with their client’s values.
FAQs
Q1. What is an inclusive workplace?
A1. “Inclusive workplace” refers to the workplace environment that makes every employee feel valued, not just as a part of the group, but also as an individual.
Q2. What does it mean to have an inclusive place to work?
A2. Having an inclusive work environment harnesses the ability of each individual. The inclusive workforce is the backbone of a company.
Q3. How to nurture an inclusive workplace?
A3. To nurture an inclusive workforce, a few steps such as, reconstructing work policies, exit interviews and effective communication should be implemented.