How to Make Your Workplace More Inclusive

Everyone deserves the right to work and operate in a space that caters to them personally and professionally. Many people are unfairly stereotyped against, and when this appears in the workplace it can have a detrimental impact on mental health and work ability.

The importance of an inclusive workplace

An inclusive workspace allows people from all walks of life the chance to thrive in the workplace.

This includes people who are BAME and have disabilities. We are all unique with diverse experiences and strengths. It is critical that we fill our workplaces with people who are not only capable of performing excellent work but also help contribute to making the workplace a safe space where anyone can thrive.

If the workplace is only ever filled with one gender or one ethnicity, then the perspectives, attitudes, and work mindsets will all suffer for it.

It is only when we welcome everyone that we can create a space for everyone.

How to…

Inclusivity starts at the top.

By ensuring that inclusive practices and beliefs are integrated into your ethos, you’re able to lock in your company’s integrity and present yourself as a business that represents human interest.

From here, the ethos trickles down.

However, you also need to apply inclusivity across the board.

For example, you can:

• Blind hire: ensure that all new hires are hired strictly on their skills and strengths, and not subject to potential bias when hiring such as their religious belief, ethnicity, or disability.

• Inclusivity programmes: establish inclusivity programmes for those who are BAME, disabled, or struggling in any way.

• Inclusivity training: banish stigma and negative mindsets by creating mandatory inclusivity training for all staff members.

• Fundraising: create work-wide fundraising activities for charities that help with LGBTQ+ causes, racial discrimination, stigma around disabilities, and more.

The impact

By creating a space that is inclusive and caters to everyone, you’re allowing people to thrive.

In an inclusive workplace, there should be no gender pay gap, more mental health support, physical health adjustments and support, and more. This, in turn, creates an employee atmosphere where people are supported and can trust their company – which creates a loyal relationship between employee and employer.

Inclusivity is more than a buzzword, it can impact your workplace, the health of your employees, and the relationship you have with them for the better.

If you need any more help with health in the workplace, explore the OH One website.