Importance of Inclusion mindset at workplace
Hi everyone! I would like to bring the importance of inclusion mindset at workplace as part of this blog post.
An inclusion mindset refers to a way of thinking, demonstrates empathy, understanding, recognizing and appreciating the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions that each individual brings to the table. It values diversity, fosters equality, and actively seeks to include and empower individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.
Adapting for inclusion starts with recognizing exclusion. The children’s playground is a perfect microcosm for learning how to start. Think back to the objects and people who occupied your favorite play spots. Try to remember what worked well for you. Try to describe what it was that made those spaces inclusive. It’s also likely there were moments when you felt left out, either because there was an object that you couldn’t use, or because you were ostracized by people around you. What was it that made these spaces exclusionary?
The objects and people around us influence our ability to participate. Not just when playing on a playground, but in all aspects of society. Our cities, workplaces, technologies, even our interacation with each other are touchpoints for accessing the world around us.
When you are able to recognize the exclusion, you have an opportunity to learn from diversity and building a solution for one helps to extend the benefits to many people!
Companies that actively support workplace accessibility, form of inclusion, along with promoting diversity, are effectively enhancing their ability to attract a larger pool of employees and foster loyal customers.
How to build an inclusive culture in an organization?
Building new habits helps to build an inclusive mindset and yes, inclusion starts at the top! Leaders should demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion by incorporating it into the organization’s mission, values and strategic goals.
Exclusion habits can be hard to break. But, like any habit, they can be changed over time with new practices to challenge our mindsets and behaviors. When we say that we’re committed to inclusion, it’s like declaring that we’ll learn a new language. It needs planning, training and determination. But above all, it means engaging with people who are native in the new language you want to learn. To gain fluency, you will need to change aspects of your routine and adjust some of the elements of your life to support your new goal.
The same is true for building skills for inclusion mindset. Acquiring such skills can be accomplished by learning from individuals who regularly encounter unwelcoming environments. They possess a profound understanding of the various angles that need to be considered. These experts, including designers, engineers, and leaders, wield significant influence in breaking the cycle of exclusion. Learning from these experts, we can identify key exclusionary practices and explore pathways toward inclusive design.
Why inclusive mindset is very important and needed at workplace?
Promoting workplace inclusion fosters a feeling of belonging among colleagues, which can lead to increased productivity, more innovation, boosted employee morale, enhanced creativity, improved problem-solving abilities, and more effective decision-making.
When people feel included they are better able to contribute to the group and their society without fear of being ostracised. By bringing their ideas forward, they are offering a particular perspective, which stems from a completely different background.
Where are you as an organization, in building an inclusive mindset and inclusive workplace?
Is your organization already have diversity initiatives for fostering an inclusive culture?
Is your organization already expanding your talent pool by actively seeking out diverse and inclusive recruitment?
Is your organization already providing diversity and inclusion training for all employees to increase their awareness?
Is your organization accessing current culture and practices to identify the areas that may hinder inclusivity?
Remember, building an inclusive culture is an ongoing process that requires commitment and continuous effort. It’s important to involve employees at all levels, foster a sense of belonging, and adapt strategies as the organization evolves.
In summary, cultivating an inclusion mindset is crucial for building a thriving and harmonious workplace. Ultimately, an inclusion mindset is a fundamental belief necessary to achieve inclusive organizational goals because it creates a culture that embraces diversity, strives for equity, promotes employee engagement and retention, fosters innovation, improves performance and productivity, and enhances the organization’s reputation as an employer of choice. So to build an inclusive culture, organizations should prioritize leadership commitment, assess current practices, establish inclusive policies, provide training and education, foster inclusive and accessible communication and continuously evolve and improve.
By embracing an inclusion mindset, organizations can create a workplace that truly values, appreciates, and empowers every individuals, thereby leading to a more equitable, successful, and sustainable future!
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