Inclusion in the workplace has been one of the most talked about and valued concept in the corporate world, lately. And it continues to gain more traction with time, as its benefits are increasingly becoming evident. The term ‘inclusive workplace’ has made it everywhere, from corporate trainings to companies’ vision statements and hiring policies. Organizations tout their commitment to building inclusive work cultures. But, what does it really mean? Is inclusion the same as diversity, as the two are often used interchangeably, or is it a different concept?
What Does Inclusion in the Workplace Mean?
Inclusion in the workplace simply means creating a work culture where all the employees are valued, treated with respect, and given equal opportunities for growth, regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs, and appearances. An inclusive workplace is one where no employee feels being treated unjustly or discriminated.
The reason why the word inclusion is almost always used in tandem with diversity, whenever we talk about building a healthy work environment, is because inclusion is essential for creating a diverse workplace, which is the need of the hour.
Why Is It Important to Build an Inclusive Workplace?
Ongoing technological advancements, the emergence of new markets as a result, cultural changes, and increasing trend of immigration, have all affected the dynamics of the corporate sector. On one hand, organizations have the ethical, moral, and social responsibility to provide equal opportunities to people from all the different sectors of the society to contribute to peaceful society and healthy economy. On the other hand, building an inclusive workplace also offers several benefits to the companies as well.
People from different backgrounds and cultures bring their unique sets of knowledge, experiences, and talents to the company. It also creates a healthy competition among the employees, where each tries to put their best foot forward and thus, contributing to organizational growth. Diverse teams have also been proven to be far more likely to come up with unique, creative ideas for growth and solutions.
The key to gaining all these benefits is to build an inclusive workplace, so the employees don’t think of leaving your company as soon as they get the chance and wholeheartedly contribute to your organization’s growth.
At Inspire, we offer a range of workshops, seminars, and webinars to help business owners and HR personnel understand the importance of building an inclusive workplace and how it can be achieved. Checkout our services page to learn more!
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