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Inclusion goes far beyond hiring people from a diverse range of backgrounds; it means creating a culture where everyone, regardless of any protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability or age, feels valued, supported and empowered to contribute to their workplace. Inclusion focuses on the importance of removing any barriers, challenging bias and building working environments where differences are celebrated.

An inclusive workforce can positively impact all stages of the employee lifecycle:

1. Better decision-making and innovation
   Diverse teams bring a range of perspectives to the table. Research consistently shows that inclusive organisations make both efficient and more effective decisions which embrace greater innovation. Having a workforce with varied experience and skill sets working together, can allow for meaningful teamwork that challenges the typical approach and sparks creative outcomes
2. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
   The jobseekers of the latest generations to enter the workplace actively look for employers that prioritise inclusion and equal opportunities, as well as those who celebrate diversity. As an employer, it is important you embrace these initiatives, as it broadens your potential talent pool and betters your retention strategies, whilst ensuring your employees feel respected, valued and heard
3. Improved Employee Engagement and Wellbeing
   It is widely acknowledged that employees who report feeling a sense of inclusion in the workplace are often more engaged and productive and tend to stay with an employer for longer. Working environments of this nature reduce stress, improve mental health and wellbeing as well as encouraging collaboration across departments. In short, this means happier teams and better business performance
4. Stronger Customer Connections
   Having a workforce that reflects your local community means your employees are better equipped to understand and meet the needs of your customers. By ensuring a workforce that celebrates and actively promotes inclusion, you are building trust and loyalty by showing you place a genuine value on including people from all walks of life

As an employer, it is key that you recognise that equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives are not just simply a ‘tick box exercise’, but that it is a genuine commitment to your people, the growth of your business and an appreciation for continuous learning and improvement. Ways in which you can ensure your compliance with these approaches are:

• Reviewing interview practices to reduce bias
• Providing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training to all members of your team and inclusive leadership development for senior leaders within the business
• Requesting employee feedback, listening to it and acting on it
• Making workplace adjustments to accommodate individual needs for those with any disabilities; and
• Promoting inclusive language and behaviours every day

When inclusion is championed, everyone benefits, from individuals and businesses to society as a whole.

If you have any questions in relation to diversity and inclusion at work, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the AfterAthena team (part of the Napthens Group) who are able to offer 30 minutes of free advice to QCS members.