What needs to be done before building an inclusive workplace

Inclusion is welcoming, sustaining and strengthening diversity by embracing and respecting differences in the workplace

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Diversity and inclusivity are the most talked about topics these days. Some organisations have built a diverse and inclusive workplace; while others aspire to create their identity. Yet, at the same time, few organisations are already thriving as diverse and inclusive workplaces.

As rightly said, diversity is a fact, whereas inclusion is a choice. Diversity varies from demography to age, gender, religion, caste, and community.

Inclusion is welcoming, sustaining and strengthening diversity by embracing and respecting differences in the workplace.

A McKinsey report of August 2022 states that an inclusive organisation is two times as likely to exceed financial targets, three times as likely to be high performing, six times more likely to be agile and innovative and eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes.

However, many organisations with aspirations to become inclusive begin with initiatives, programs and standalone interventions. Consequently, the impact of such interventions is not sustainable. The core to building an inclusive workplace is to identify, create and strengthen PALS:

P-Progressive culture

A-Allyship

L-Leaders’ sponsorship

S-Sustainable practices

Progressive culture

An organisation can be inclusive through its forward-thinking and progressive approach toward people and diversity.