Fostering workplace inclusivity is no longer just a trend; it’s a necessity for businesses looking to attract top talent, boost morale, and drive innovation. While many organizations have embraced diversity initiatives, some practical strategies for creating a truly inclusive environment remain underutilized.
Making your workplace inclusive isn’t only about policies; it’s about rethinking everyday practices and tools to make sure everyone feels valued and supported. Use these five overlooked ways to make your workplace more inclusive so that your workplace supports a wide diversity of people.
Prioritize Neurodiversity
Inclusive hiring practices should go beyond traditional definitions of diversity and recognize the value of neurodiverse individuals. People with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurological differences often bring unique perspectives and skills to the workplace. However, they may face challenges in traditional office settings.
To prioritize neurodiversity, consider offering quiet workspaces, avoiding overwhelming sensory environments, or implementing visual project management tools to help neurodiverse employees organize tasks. Additionally, training managers to understand how to best support neurodiverse team members can help these employees thrive professionally while feeling included.
Accessible Signage for the Visually Impaired
While many companies focus on digital accessibility, physical spaces often lack accommodations for employees or visitors who are visually impaired. Accessible signage—with features such as tactile braille, high-contrast text, and raised characters—is an important yet frequently overlooked way to promote inclusivity.
Imagine walking into an unfamiliar workplace and struggling to find the right meeting room or restroom because there’s no signage adapted to your needs. This scenario is just one of many reasons places like offices and retail stores should invest in braille signage. Without it, visually impaired employees and visitors face unnecessary stress, making them feel unwelcome.
Installing accessible signs throughout the office guarantees that everyone can confidently and independently navigate the space. This simple update reflects care and thoughtfulness while fostering inclusivity at a foundational level.
Provide Flexible Work Options
Flexibility is a game-changer for inclusivity. Not all employees thrive under a traditional 9-to-5 schedule or within a physical office environment. Offering options like remote work, flexible start times, and compressed schedules can accommodate employees with caregiving responsibilities, chronic illnesses, or other personal circumstances.
For example, a parent can drop their child off at school if they can start work an hour later, while an employee managing a medical condition may perform their best when working from home. Providing flexibility empowers your team to tailor their workday to their specific needs without sacrificing productivity or performance.
Inclusive Team Celebrations
Celebrations and workplace traditions are among the five overlooked ways to make your workplace more inclusive by bringing people together. Consider activities like team-building workshops, community volunteer events, or shared lunches with a variety of dietary options. Additionally, celebrating inclusive holidays, such as International Women’s Day or Pride Month, acknowledges and respects the diversity of your workforce.
Bias-Free Job Descriptions
Inclusivity starts before an employee even sets foot in the office. Revisiting your job descriptions is an often-overlooked practice that can eliminate inadvertent biases and appeal to a wider pool of candidates. For example, phrases like “must thrive in a fast-paced environment” may deter candidates with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities who might perceive it as code for long, demanding hours.
Instead, focus on specific qualifications and skills needed for the role. Use gender-neutral language, avoid unnecessarily aggressive or competitive tones, and highlight your commitment to inclusivity in the workplace. A simple change in tone and phrasing can encourage talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.