Not sure if your company is doing all that it can to improve workplace diversity and inclusion?
Organizations that prioritize and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion reap tons of benefits for the business and their employees.
Inclusive work environments often produce more motivated, productive, and outspoken employees. Additionally, productive employees often go the extra mile for the companies they work for, which can also boost company profits and revenue streams.
Moreover, inclusivity and diversity are common elements that job seekers look for when applying for a job. As a result, an inclusive work environment can attract more applicants.
But the above benefits are only realized once your organization promotes diversity and inclusivity properly.
Here are a few ways organizations can do this:
Mix up your teams
The easiest way to boost inclusivity and diversity in the workplace is to ensure every team and department has a diverse group of employees.
Diverse teams are often more creative and productive since they consist of people with different skills, backgrounds, experiences, etc.
Be aware of unconscious bias
An organization with diverse employees may experience some internal unconscious bias. As a result, organizations must introduce unconscious bias training.
Unconscious bias encompasses feelings or attitudes that are held subconsciously. Consequently, it’s often hard to spot this kind of bias. As a result, organizations need to train their managers and leaders to recognize this form of bias. This way, the managing team can set clear standards for employees and help employees understand when they are biased towards a particular group or employee. Companies must nip this issue in the bud since prejudice and bias can make employees feel uncomfortable and undervalued.
Develop a strategic training program
Diversity and inclusivity training can help managers and employees understand how cultural differences impact day-to-day operations. For example, team members in a diverse team may have different communication preferences or styles. As a result, managers need to put clear processes in place to avoid miscommunication or missed deadlines due to communication issues.
Organizations should also ensure that their inclusion efforts align with their overarching inclusivity goals and identified challenges. Attendance in these training programs should also be optional as opposed to compulsory. This way, employees can attend and learn about one another out of their own free will.
Promote pay equity
To promote equal pay, you need to consider whether or not your certain employees are receiving equal pay for similar roles or responsibilities. This way, you can identify which employees are underpaid for dedicating the same amount of time, skills, and knowledge.
By using HR or people analytics, organizations can pinpoint salary or wage gaps within a particular department or team. Moreover, managers can spot payment gap patterns or trends within a specific minority group – people of color, women, people with disabilities, etc.
Communicate the importance of managing bias
Organizations can help employees understand the importance of managing bias through training and employee resource groups. Employees must know that it’s human to have unconscious biases, but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable. Internal bias training can help employees and managers recognize when they’re stereotyping. This way, every team member can work towards creating an integrated, inclusive work environment.
If you want to improve your company’s workplace diversity and inclusion, visit the Corporate Class website today.
We over bespoke services that can help you improve workplace diversity and inclusion effectively while also boosting employee engagement and innovation.