How to incorporate inclusivity in the workplace
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, companies that prioritize inclusivity and psychological safety are more likely to attract and retain top talent and achieve long-term success. Inclusivity refers to creating a work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and welcomed, regardless of their differences. Psychological safety refers to creating a culture where employees feel safe to express themselves and take risks without fear of negative consequences.
Combining inclusivity and psychological safety creates a workplace where employees not only feel valued and respected, but also safe to take risks and be themselves. When employees feel empowered and supported, they are more likely to produce their best work, leading to increased engagement, creativity, and productivity.
Here are some specific ways that inclusivity and psychological safety can contribute to a more engaged and productive workplace:
1. Inclusivity promotes diversity of thought and perspective
When all employees feel welcomed and included, they are more likely to share their unique perspectives and ideas. This can lead to greater creativity and innovation as diverse viewpoints can help to identify new opportunities and solutions that might not have been apparent otherwise. Welcoming diversity of thought creates space for everyone to learn and grow.
2. Psychological safety encourages open communication
When employees feel safe to express themselves and take risks, they are more likely to engage in open and honest communication. This can help foster trust and collaboration among team members, as they are more likely to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or punishment. People are any company’s most important resource, and creating an environment where they can express their ideas comfortably is the only way to get the most out of the people you have.
3. Inclusivity and psychological safety help reduce turnover
When employees feel valued, respected, and safe in the workplace, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term. This can help to reduce turnover and associated costs such as recruiting and training new employees. Higher engagement isn’t just about productivity as happier employees and better managers stay, as well.
4. Engaged employees produce a higher quality of work
When employees feel engaged and motivated, they are more likely to do their best work. Engaged employees are also more likely to go above and beyond their job duties, leading to increased productivity and better business outcomes.
5. Prioritizing inclusivity and psychological safety can lead to a better company culture
By prioritizing inclusivity and psychological safety, companies can create a culture where employees feel supported, respected, and empowered. This can help to improve morale and job satisfaction, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.
6. Begin with hiring and onboarding
Fostering an inclusive environment is key during the hiring and onboarding stages as it is the first impression that employees will have of the company culture. Onboarding and hiring practices set the tone for the rest of the employee’s time at the company, and can either reinforce or undermine the company’s commitment to inclusivity. Setting expectations and communicating values from the start are critical steps to building an inclusive culture.
An inclusive approach to the hiring process means actively seeking out a diverse pool of candidates and considering a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This will ensure that the company is not unintentionally excluding qualified candidates who may come from different backgrounds or who may have faced barriers to employment in the past.
Once hired, the onboarding process should include training on the company’s values and commitment to inclusivity. This can help ensure that all employees understand the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and know what is expected of them in terms of behavior and attitudes.
Prioritizing inclusivity during hiring and onboarding is important because it sets the tone for the employee’s experience at the company, reinforces the company’s commitment to inclusivity, mitigates potential future problems related to conduct and expectations before they occur, and can have positive impacts on workplace culture which directly affect the bottom line. By prioritizing inclusivity in early stages, companies can create a more diverse, productive, and profitable workplace.
Combining inclusivity and psychological safety is essential to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and safe to be themselves. When employees feel engaged and motivated, they are more inspired to do their best work, leading to increased productivity and better business outcomes. By prioritizing inclusivity and psychological safety, companies can create a positive and productive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.