As diversity becomes a crucial focus for employers, many have worked hard in building up a diverse workforce. And while diversity certainly brings many benefits to a business, they still require a lot of effort and action.

In addition, despite long discussions over diversity and the important need for it, inclusion still remains a quiet topic.

This can mean that for many businesses, while they appear diverse and contain employees from all walks of life, they may not be inclusive. Often, these two crucial elements don’t always go together; meaning that employers may not have implemented a good, inclusive workplace culture.

Without inclusion, this can lead to losing out on the many benefits such a culture can provide.

What does an Inclusive Workplace Culture mean?

It refers to a climate in the workplace where employees and employers treat each other with respect and equity. Differences are regarded as positive, imposing no barriers to anyone so that all can enjoy a positive working experience.

In order to build an inclusive workplace culture up, employers need to ensure that three elements are embedded within their policies and practices. These include:

• Representation ~ The company employs people from all backgrounds to truly reflect our diverse society. They should also make sure all have an equal chance of progressing within the company, including leadership positions.
• Receptivity ~ Employers need to respect all employees and their differences, such as how they work and altering positions which bring out strengths.
• Fairness ~ They also should ensure all equal access to resources, networks and opportunities.

All these elements lead to a common belief. Employers should focus the strengths of their employees, created by their differences. By implementing this positive focus on the workforce, they begin to create an inclusive workforce culture.

Some companies have already begun incorporating this. For example, Boudewijn Hamersma of Accenture says:

“Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our culture and core values, fostering an innovative, collaborative and high-energy work environment. We recognise that each person has unique strengths. And by embracing those strengths, we all deliver high performance—together.”

To achieve an inclusive workplace culture, inclusion does not stop at policies and practices. It goes beyond them; implemented into every aspect of the business and its employees.

Therefore, an employer cannot solely rely on diversity to bring about its various benefits. They also need to focus on inclusion and tailoring the workplace ethos to ensure a positive environment for all.

In this way, businesses can truly succeed in creating an inclusive workplace culture.