What Does It Take To Build Inclusion?

The concept of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (also known as the IDEA) can be used as a clear business differentiator, one that has never been so critical, especially in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced a massive number of professionals to leave their jobs (the Great Resignation). Companies that have created inclusive cultures now have an advantage in hiring top talent and retaining it. Why is that?

Aside from being the right thing to do, creating an inclusive environment in an organization can also improve business results. Inclusive and diverse organizations typically outperform their competitors not just in talent recruitment and employee retention but also in innovation, productivity, profit, and many other business metrics that lead to stable growth. In fact, inclusion and diversity in the workplace can boost innovation by 20%! As Accenture reports: ‘The more empowering the workplace environment, the higher the innovation mindset score.’

So, what can business owners, CEOs, and leaders do to build an inclusive company culture? First, let’s explain what inclusion entails.

What Is Inclusion?

To create an inclusive environment, it is important to have a clear understanding of what inclusion means in the context of companies, institutions, and even governments. Inclusion is when differences that make a person unique (such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, skills, cultural background, and more) are valued and supported, while barriers are removed that would prevent anyone from reaching their full potential in a specific organization. Real inclusion celebrates all diversity factors and enables everyone to perform at their best in a supportive and safe environment.

How To Build An Inclusive Environment In Your Organization?

When it comes to the concept of the IDEA, you may think you’ve done your part if you’ve managed to hire a diverse group of people and you’ve written a corporate statement about your organization’s support of people from diverse backgrounds. But that is not enough. Some organizations are making real, palpable changes to improve inclusion and other IDEA initiatives in their workplace. For example, we often hear about large organizations like Wellsfargo, AirBnB, or Winnebago that have gone to great lengths to ensure their employees are listened to, v

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