4 Keys to Creating an Inclusive and Diverse Company Culture

Company culture impacts every aspect of a business. Companies increasingly recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in hiring, retention, and overall internal and external business growth. Read on for some tips on creating an inclusive and diverse company culture for your business.

What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?

Before you can create a diverse and inclusive culture at your company, you need to know the difference between the two terms. According to Indeed, “workplace diversity refers to the individual characteristics employees have that make them unique. These characteristics can include gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and ideologies. Workforce diversity also includes a person’s life experiences, how they solve issues, and your company’s overall culture.”

SHRM defines inclusion as “the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.” Inclusion is vital to the success of diversity efforts.

Both diversity and inclusion are extremely important elements in the workplace. A company culture that welcomes different people, perspectives, and ideas and is dedicated to inclusivity is on the right track to retain employees, grow both internally and externally, and see more success than businesses that fail to facilitate diversity and inclusion policies.

Tips for creating an inclusive and diverse company culture

1. Practice inclusive leadership

Fostering a workplace of diversity and inclusion starts at the very top — with your leadership team. Those in leadership roles should embrace D&I, preach it and facilitate conversation. By making diversity and inclusion training and policies a top priority and expressing a genuine commitment to D&I as a business owner, the leadership team will follow suit. Employees will notice these efforts and feel more valued and respected in the workplace, leading to increased creativity, problem-solving, employee engagement, and a decrease in employee turnover – all good things for a business and its advancement.

2. Go further than just training and awareness

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace goes far beyond bias training and awareness. While important, a truly diverse and inclusive culture doesn’t happen overnight but instead requires thoughtful effort and action. Incorporating diversity and inclusion into your business strategy and company policies to protect employees should be a top priority as a business owner.

Start by taking diversity-related action when it comes to your recruiting efforts. Recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates will give you access to a wider range of talent. Interviewers should also be knowledgeable of D&I policies and practices. Starting with recruitment shows potential employees that your business is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. Carry these same principles into day-to-day business operations, and your company and its employees will flourish.

3. Provide a safe space for employee feedback

Your employees should feel comfortable coming to supervisors and expressing workplace challenges or concerns. Policies should be in place that protect and inform employees on how to report diversity-related issues, in addition to promoting honest dialogue and continuous, one-on-one feedback.

4. Recognize and reward progress

Not only does recognition boost employee engagement and morale, but it also reinforces company culture and values. Recognizing and rewarding progress and behaviors fosters an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and more motivated to keep getting better. In addition, investing in, continually mentoring, and respecting employees promotes a positive and inclusive environment, paving the way for employee advancement, talent development, and company growth.

How can we help?

Hire With Ease has the tools to help you find the best candidates for your workplace. We’re dedicated to taking the time to understand what makes your business unique and aid you in finding talent best suited for your specific business needs. We evaluate a diverse array of candidates based on their skills, career goals, and how they’ll fit into your company’s unique culture.

Learn more about our services and how we can help you find the right candidates for your company culture by getting in touch with one of our hiring specialists today!