Major global happenings impact businesses worldwide — from AI adoption and climate change to geopolitical unrest. For companies to survive in this complex world, they need to fully embrace the potential of a vast talent pool. In other words, they need inclusion and diversity.
Research shows that about 56% of U.S. associates view diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in their workplace as a good thing. Focusing on DEI values can bring numerous benefits to the workplace — and the world.
Continue reading to learn how to be inclusive at work and the benefits of doing so for employers and associates.
What is an Inclusive Work Environment?
Inclusivity is a state of being. It represents the collective effort to value, respect and support each other. Inclusivity embraces associates as their authentic selves and involves fostering a sense of belonging. However, there is more to it.
Diversity and equity are equally important. Together, these concepts form a symbiotic relationship known as DEI. This three-pillar framework helps create a healthy and positive work environment.
To successfully implement a DEI culture, companies must understand what makes each pillar distinct:
Diversity: A diverse workplace employs people with different demographics — from race and gender identity to age and socioeconomic status. Diversity also encompasses different perspectives and ideas.
Equity: An equitable environment promotes equal opportunity, access and treatment. Promoting equity involves breaking down barriers previously preventing specific groups of people from fully participating.
Inclusion: Inclusion promotes a welcoming, supportive and respectful environment. An inclusive company invites each person to participate and contribute.
Benefits of Inclusion in the Workplace
Adopting an inclusion mindset at work can provide many advantages to associates and employers alike.
Advantages for Employers
The advantages of inclusion for employers include the following:
Enhances business performance: When businesses embrace diverse perspectives and encourage associate participation, it may lead to other benefits that will impact a business’s performance. For example, better decision-making and new ideas can help increase productivity, profitability and market share.
Increases productivity: An inclusive space fosters collaboration and motivation among associates. People who feel valued and empowered may work more efficiently.
Boosts problem-solving: With inclusivity comes diverse viewpoints and experiences. Different inputs enable teams to approach problems more creatively, helping them find solutions much faster.
Promotes creativity and innovation: Diverse teams can help spark creativity by bringing different ideas together. When you welcome every opinion, new ideas can lead to new products, services or processes.
Facilitates customer understanding: Our society is quite diverse, and everyone participates in the economy. If companies recruit a diverse workforce that reflects their customer base, they can gain better insights into their customers. With a better understanding of customer needs and preferences, companies can create better products and services.
Improves employer reputation: Companies that make a genuine effort to implement their DEI policies may see an improvement in their reputation. This gives a competitive advantage over competitors in terms of talent and clients.
Increases talent pool: Employers can access a larger talent pool of candidates by diversifying their recruitment searches. Widening the opportunity for others can help expand the diversity of skills, experiences and perspectives, increasing the chances of finding the best candidates.
Advantages for Associates
The benefits of inclusive leadership in the workplace can also impact employees:
Enhances job satisfaction: Staff who work in a DEI-focused business may be more satisfied with their job and feel a stronger connection with their employer.
Enables professional growth: Inclusive workplaces strive to provide their associates with various growth opportunities. Employers want to help their team develop skills and achieve their professional goals.
Encourages associate engagement: Employers who focus on inclusion and creating a welcoming space may give associates a greater sense of belonging. Staff may thus be more committed and invested in their work. This proves especially essential for team leads.
Nurtures team dynamics: Respect and understanding within a team can lead to stronger collaborations and better communication. People with different perspectives and new ideas can create a fun and dynamic team.
Adds new perspectives: Associates will be exposed to new viewpoints, which can help enrich their own perspectives and may help with personal and professional growth.
How to Create an Inclusive Work Environment
Creating a safe and healthy work environment does not go unnoticed — potential and current associates, customers and competitors will feel the impact a DEI company makes. Leadership and associates can implement these strategies to foster a more inclusive environment.
Implement Inclusive Hiring Practices
When listing positions, ensure they’re free of bias, and be sure to seek out diverse candidates. Employers can also use structured interviews to minimize potential unconscious bias in the hiring process.
Be Mindful of Language
Try to use inclusive language that respects all identities and avoids stereotypes. Small changes in how we communicate can make a big difference in making others feel included and welcomed.
Provide Diversity Training
Offer regular DEI training to associates to help them understand the importance of inclusivity and how they can practice it in the workplace.
Challenge Unconscious Bias
This strategy takes effort, but everyone in the workplace must try to challenge their own biases and work to overcome them. Consistently support colleagues from diverse backgrounds by being an ally and advocating for their inclusion.
Encourage Open Communication
Companies can create channels where associates feel safe sharing their ideas and feedback. Team leads can also opt to regularly check in with their teams to address issues.
Foster Collaboration
Teamwork goes a long way. Team leads must strive to encourage diverse perspectives in team projects. The team as a whole must listen to and value different viewpoints, ensuring everyone can make a contribution and get the creativity and engagement flowing.
Promote Diverse Leadership
Associates need role models. Having inclusive and diverse leadership in the workplace can reinforce the importance of DEI at every level.
Experience the Benefits of Inclusion at Danaher
Say hello to a space where you will thrive! At Danaher, we’re building a community based on inclusion and belonging. We understand how diverse perspectives can make a global impact, and we invest in inclusivity to better enable innovative breakthroughs in various fields, including biotechnology and life sciences. With a supportive team around you that welcomes your input, you’ll drive innovation that improves lives.
