A voice is a powerful tool in driving change. As Diana Hardy said, “It only takes one voice, at the right pitch, to start an avalanche.” Beyond speaking out individually, leaders can look to their organizations to promote diversity within. By actively taking a stand for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, professionals can work to create an open, positive, and welcoming culture for all.

 

There are several things your organization can do that other businesses have found success with.

 

Establish a diversity board.

Create a panel of employees to serve as an internal task force in charge of defining, clarifying, and implementing diversity and inclusion policies. This board can also determine how to reach a more diverse employee and customer base by learning more about different minority groups. This can also be true of finding vendors who share your values. It can also be an opportunity to better understand your employees’ views and how your organization can become more inclusive.

 

Commit to open communication.

Make sure your team members are aware of your expectations surrounding diversity policies and awareness. You can do this by outlining and clarifying your diversity goals and agenda. Make it easy for your employees to provide feedback on what they like or dislike about your diversity goals and programs.

 

Diversify your holiday celebrations.

Different people celebrate different occasions. Be sure to recognize this within your business by implementing holiday policies that consider everyone’s preferences. Observing multiple holidays, you can educate yourself and your team about the importance of diversity. This will help make everyone feel welcome and important.

 

Absolutely provide diversity training.

With a defined training program, you can educate your team about respecting and understanding everyone, despite race or culture. Include team-building exercises that teach employees how to identify prejudices and how to change them. This is particularly important when considering micro-biases.

 

Consider adjusting your hiring practices.

Now is a good time to make diversity hiring an integral part of your business. You should have transparent policies all employees are subject to. You will also want to create equal treatment policies that all employees must agree to.

 

Diversify your leadership opportunities.

When you have a culturally diverse staff in place, celebrate their valuable contributions and outstanding work by promoting them to leadership positions. By doing so, you create an atmosphere of cultural diffusion and a precedent for all employees looking to progress through the ranks at your company.

 

If you are committed to making change happen, do not just talk about it. Take meaningful action to make your organization inclusive and embracing of all colors, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It is not about numbers; it is about the people who are willing and capable of doing the work. By diversifying your team, you open a new realm of ideas, innovation, perspective, and creativity. And this will help you thrive.

 

Looking for a fresh perspective? Check out our post about a new take on Inclusivity.