Most people recognize the importance of diversity and the benefits it can bring to an organization and its people. However, diversity is only half of the story. The other half is inclusion: building an environment in which people feel valued for who they are, bring their whole selves and contribute fully. In an inclusive environment, people with different backgrounds, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, skin colors and other differences feel like they belong.
How can you help to create a more inclusive work environment? It’s a process that involves self awareness, learning, listening and an openness to new ways of working. The payoff can be a more engaged team with better ideas and greater productivity and a more satisfying experience for everyone.
Start with yourself. The journey to becoming more inclusive starts with you.
Be humble. Cultivate your humility rather than your ego and your openness to new perspectives. Accept that you aren’t the an expert and aren’t always right. You’re a learner on this journey and others have something to teach you.
Acknowledge your blind spots. Recognize that your life experience and views aren’t shared by everyone. Understand that you have biases in your thinking and reactions. Accept that your experiences may be different from that of someone who doesn’t look, speak or act like you.
Be open to learning. Strengthen your understanding of people who are different from you. Learn about different cultures, the history of privilege and discrimination, the many forms of bias and the wide range of life experiences.
Connect in more inclusive ways. Recognize holidays, events and festivities of those of different backgrounds.
Listen and ask questions. Find out ways you can be more inclusive from feedback from others
Your EAP benefits provide free and confidential counseling services. If you would like more information, call your designated BHS Care Coordinator at 800-245-1150 or visit the website at www.behavioralhealthsystems.com.