As companies focus on building more diverse teams, creating an inclusive workplace becomes a priority. However, the journey towards inclusivity remains challenging, and companies face barriers at different stages. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges that organizations face and ways to overcome them.

Acknowledge the Barriers 🤝

Before addressing the barriers, it is essential to recognize them. Lack of inclusivity may stem from unconscious biases, such as ageism, sexism, or racism, that still exist in most workplaces. It is imperative to understand the root causes of the barriers to move towards creating a more diverse and inclusive culture.

A picture of a person looking at a brick wall

Investment in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 👥👥

Creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion starts with acknowledging it as a core value of the company. Companies need to invest in DEI initiatives thoughtfully and sustainably. It would help if you focused on the following:

  1. Prioritizing training and education for leadership and all employees.

  2. Development of sustainable DEI programs and initiatives.

  3. Establishing DEI-focused Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

A group of people having a meeting and working together

Inclusive Hiring Practices 🤝🏽

Building an inclusive workforce means that companies must ensure that their hiring practices are inclusive. Companies need to find a way to build talent pipelines within underrepresented groups by working with different associations or creating partnerships with local schools. Focusing on removing biases in recruitment, such as using blind resume review or personality tests, helps build a pool of diverse job applicants.

A group of people interviewing job candidates

Foster an Inclusive Culture 🏠

A company culture that prioritizes diversity and inclusion can support employees’ retention and create a sense of belonging. Employees want to feel valued and heard, regardless of their race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Some ways to foster an inclusive culture include:

  1. Encouraging open communication and transparency.

  2. Addressing discrimination and microaggressions promptly.

  3. Providing accommodations and support for underrepresented groups.

A group of people gathered in an office setting talking and laughing

Employee Accountability 💼

Employees should be held accountable for their actions towards their colleagues, regardless of their level of seniority in the organization. Consistently reinforcing behaviors that demonstrate respect and inclusiveness should be a part of the company’s values. This could include:

  1. Proactive training and workshops on unconscious bias, harassment, and discrimination.

  2. Conducting surveys to measure employee satisfaction and inclusion levels.

  3. Establishing appropriate consequences for behaviors that violate DEI values.

A team of employees working on a project together

Conclusion 🎉

Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is an ongoing journey that requires effort and commitment from everyone in the organization. Breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive culture takes time, and change happens gradually. By acknowledging the challenges and focusing on solutions, companies can create a positive, safe, and welcoming environment for all their employees.

A diverse group of employees gathered together smiling and laughing

In summary, companies must acknowledge the barriers, invest in DEI initiatives, foster inclusive hiring practices, create a culture of inclusion, and hold employees accountable. These steps are essential to building a workplace where everyone feels valued and has opportunities to succeed.