The words inclusion and inclusivity are mentioned a lot these days and with good reason. For far too long, society has been built for the majority, and anyone else has been excluded. Nowadays, there is a bigger focus on what inclusion really means and how you can build it in your business.
A report names ‘Current Attitudes Towards Disabled People‘ from the British disability charity, Scope, said that more than a third of people think that disabled people are not as productive as other people. It also says that nearly a quarter of disabled people have felt discriminated against and experienced attitudes or behaviors from other people who have expected less of them because of their disability. The report also found that two-thirds of the public say they feel uncomfortable talking to people who have a disability. It is shocking that in 2019, so many people still do not realize that having a positive attitude towards disability is as equally crucial as barrier-free physical access and disability accommodation. While you can get a lawyer for social security disability appeal if you need one, generally people aren’t fighting in the workplace and they need to be.
Creating an inclusive workplace means that the topic needs to be made an issue of, and diversity, equality, and inclusion need to be on the top of everyone’s agenda. It’s not just about disabilities either, but today there is a need for all-gender-friendly bathrooms, nursing rooms for mothers, having tampons and pads available in the bathroom, and the use of gender-neutral language throughout company benefits and policies.
It is also important to note the cultural differences in the workplace such as the fact that not everyone drinks alcohol, so including non-alcoholic beverages at company events lets those who don’t drink know that you care — or having a different fridge or microwave for people to put their food in if they don’t eat pork or have to eat kosher or halal meat.
In the workplace, it is important that there is a place where people can go for a break, somewhere they can disconnect, have some quiet time, meditate if they want to and get away from technology.
Inclusivity is about considering everyone’s backgrounds, thoughts, and opinions when it comes to assessing a situation or idea. Inclusion is oftentimes, not a conscious thought…the unconscious effort to include someone in a process is what seems more natural and effortless.”
Inclusivity is about asking; It’s about knowing what you don’t know and just asking rather than waiting until someone is uncomfortable or unhappy. It is about speaking out and creating a business culture and working environment where people feel that they are able to communicate openly with colleagues and managers. It’s not a nice way to feel as an employee if you’re afraid of having difficult conversations at work if you’re not confident to call out inappropriate banter or unfair decisions making. To feel happy in the workplace, it’s im[portant to feel that you can openly share your feelings and express your needs without fear of being labeled a nuisance. As an employer, it is important to make the most of awareness weeks which are dedicated to specific areas inclusivity and diversity and equality. It’s important to equip everyone with learning resources which they can use during team meetings and in everyday working life.
