Commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace plays a significant role in employee engagement and happiness at work. It is a shared responsibility, and a long-term commitment. Creating a diverse and inclusive culture at work that is reflective of the community in which it operates, is important for the success of any business, regardless of industry. There is intrinsic value in creating a safe space for employees to show up authentically and feel comfortable in their workplace. There are numerous practices that will encourage a diverse workforce, such as blind screenings, diversity training, and inclusive job descriptions. Building a better team requires ongoing action and commitment, often carried out through diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace.
It’s worth noting that diversity goes beyond race, religion, or sexual orientation. It is the full range of ways a person can identify themselves. It also includes ethnicity, gender or gender identity, and age. Diversity also includes people with differing backgrounds, cultural experiences and abilities. Diversity in the workplace is essential, but it is not enough. Organizations must adopt practices and actively participate to create inclusive environments, as not all diverse environments are inclusive.
Diversity and inclusion activities help build happier, healthier and more productive workplaces. They create an environment where people feel valued, heard and respected. By creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, employees are more engaged and have a sense of belonging and purpose. Inclusive workspaces empower team members. When an employee feels heard and knows their opinion is valued, they are more likely to speak up. Further, when an employee feels valued and included, they are more productive.
Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion Activities
Organizing diversity and inclusion activities in the workplaces is beneficial to everyone. To make an employee feel included, there must be an action plan that goes beyond diverse hiring practices or employing gender neutral language in corporate communications. These are great practices to employ, but it must go further than that. As an employee, when diversity and inclusion activities are part of the workplace culture, there is a better team environment based on mutual respect and understanding. As a leader, your team becomes more connected, creating a cohesive workplace that thrives.
According to Harvard Business Review, diverse companies had 19% higher innovation revenues. To compete in today’s environment, businesses must retain diverse talent and promote inclusivity in the workplace to excel.
Diversity and inclusion activities foster teamwork, respect and a positive work environment that leads to higher rates of retention.
Who’s Responsible for Building Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace?
Diversity and inclusion are a collective, shared responsibility. There is no single person or team that can truly foster an inclusive workplace. It must be done together. Of course, the human resources team will be the one to establish diverse hiring practices such as blind screenings and inclusive job descriptions, but there’s more to it. The HR or diversity and inclusion team should be there to set the expectations, establish diversity training sessions, build activities that promote inclusion, and uncover the unconscious biases that show up in the workplace. Beyond that, the entire team needs to be onboard.
The human resources team can hire diverse talent, but if those hires’ voices are not heard, it’s not truly diverse. The entire organization must actively listen to their employees, value their unique perspective, be ready to implement change and involve marginalized groups in key decisions.
If inclusivity is not incorporated into every level of the organization, representation will not matter.
We know that diversity and inclusion is important for employee happiness, productivity, and even revenue. We also know that diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a shared responsibility that does not lie in the hands of a single person or team. But what activities can be employed in the workplace to promote inclusion?
Diversity and Inclusion Activities for the Workplace
Foster a team environment where everyone is valued by offering these diversity and inclusion activities at your office.
Set Up a Shared Diversity Calendar
As an organization, all religious and cultural holidays should be recognized and celebrated. Why limit celebrations to Easter and Christmas? If you’re truly seeking a diverse and inclusive work environment, set up a shared calendar in the boardroom or cafeteria. Allow employees to populate the calendar with the religious holidays or days of cultural importance that are meaningful for them. This provides an opportunity to celebrate a wide range of holidays from Christmas to Diwali, and everything in between.
Create a Photo Board
A photo board is a great way to get to know team members on a more personal level. Ask employees to bring a photo of personal importance—a memory or life event that means something to them. Post all the photos somewhere visible, such as the breakroom. By doing this, you’ll encourage ice breaker conversations about an employee homelife or family background. Employees are more than what they produce or provide in the work environment, and getting to know each other better will encourage a supportive team environment.
Organize a Potluck Lunch
A fun way to learn about each other is food! Everyone loves trying new cuisines, and what better way than to share it together? Organize a potluck lunch where people bring in their favourite dish that represents their culture. It is a great way to connect and learn about the diverse backgrounds in the workplace.
Break the Stereotype Challenge
Breaking stereotypes is key to embracing diversity in the workplace. We can actively break stereotypes by taking part in the “I am… but I am not” challenge. In a large group, give every employee a piece of paper. Ask them to break a stereotype by saying “I am [insert descriptor] but I am not [insert stereotype]”. Everyone can share their experiences as a group and begin to break down stereotypes.
Diversity and inclusion activities in the workplace are an important aspect of fostering a positive company culture. By organizing activities that actively include others and facilitates mutual understanding and respect, you’ll form an engaging, inclusive workforce, boosting productivity, employee retention, revenue and more in the process.