SHRM defines inclusion as “the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success. 

Inclusion has been shown to have a positive impact on a company’s employees and also on the bottom line. Inclusive workplaces tend to have high employee retention and satisfaction. 

Research has also shown that companies that are known for inclusion and diversity tend to attract broader customer base. And the more diverse a workplace is, the more likely it is that numerous differing viewpoints will be presented and come together to create a product or service that will appeal to more people. 

In an interview with sbjlive, Susan Stith, Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity and Corporate Giving at Express Scripts says a company’s goal should be to create a culture where no one’s diversity is used against them.

So what does an inclusive workplace look like?

“We are all diverse. The goal is to get to an inclusive environment where

I can walk in every day and be my authentic self,” she says.

The bottom line is, every employee needs to feel seen and heard in the same way as every other employee. By creating this environment, a company is much more likely to succeed.

Some resources:

50+ Ideas for Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/diversity/2017/50-ideas-for-cultivating-diversity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace

Top 5 Reasons Leaders Fail at Race Inclusion and How to Fix Them

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carmenmorris/2020/06/16/top-5-reasons-leaders-fail-at-race-inclusion-and-how-to-fix-them/#3644cf4e5a9a

SHRM Resources for Diversity and Inclusion

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/pages/diversity-and-inclusion.aspx