How to Foster an Inclusive Environment in the Workplace

In a world where inclusivity can attract talented employees in a saturated job market, employers are increasingly looking for ways to make their employees feel like they can bring their whole selves to work. However, developing this kind of inclusive working environment is often easier said than done.

Cultivating an inclusive workplace is all about asking the right questions, listening to colleagues, and mindfully checking in to guarantee that inclusivity remains top of mind. Here are some guidelines to consider that can help foster inclusive workplace environments.

Embrace inclusive values

Having a culture based on inclusive values is essential for making employees feel seen, heard, and valued in the workplace. A company first needs to define its inclusive values with stakeholder and employee input and then share them willingly and openly. Aligning corporate and financial strategies with these values through initiatives like ESG investing or pay equity ensures that inclusivity is not just a goal but a core part of how the company and its people work together.

Be mindful of communication styles

A big part of fostering an inclusive workplace is being attentive to how different colleagues communicate. While some may excel with written correspondence and directives, others may thrive with a more visual approach to tasks. Similarly, some colleagues may perform well in larger group meetings and presentations, while others are more reserved and operate more comfortably and efficiently in smaller groups or one-on-one settings. By being attentive to each team member’s ideal communication and working style, you can ensure that the environment is receptive to everyone’s uniquely valuable contributions.

Communicate proactively

Proactive communication is another foundational element of inclusive workplaces. By communicating openly and forwardly, whether through team or all-hands meetings, newsletters, chats, or other online channels, within the workplace about company successes, challenges, and future plans, colleagues can be engaged and feel like they are valued. By avoiding the siloing of information whenever possible, communication can be more free-flowing and stand as a recognized and stable pillar within the workplace culture.

Invest mindfully in all ways

Much like building a thoughtful, intentional strategy with financial investments, investing mindfully in hiring, promotion, and retention, and embodying non-discriminatory practices are all part of creating an inclusive workplace culture. Leaders in the workplace may do well to consider the diverse makeup of their executive and leadership teams and the culture at large. By being attentive to how they are investing in employees’ talents and interests, workplace leaders can do their best to ensure that leadership and teams are fully reflective of inclusive and diverse viewpoints and contributors.

Be culturally adaptable and welcoming

Adaptability is key to fostering an inclusive workplace culture, especially when it comes to listening to colleagues and employees and integrating their perspectives into the corporate lens. Leaders should consider fostering affinity groups for specific interests, identities, or causes, hosting events where all employees can express their viewpoints on a particular issue and creating an overall welcoming environment where everyone feels free to be their authentic selves.

Media Contact Information

Source: Northwestern Mutual

Contact: Don Klein, 1-800-323-7033

Country: USA