How to be inclusive in the workplace: 10 tips for employees
By Ashley Janssen
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Being inclusive in the workplace means treating everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their differences and opinions. It means all employees have equal access to opportunities and resources so they can fully contribute to the organization’s success.
At Schneider, we’re focused on fostering a workplace where everyone thrives. We believe inclusivity fuels innovation, improves strategic thinking and cultivates leadership.
With more than two decades combined of experience as human resources business partners, my colleague, Ashley Carroll, and I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all associates. Use our 10 tips on how to be inclusive in the workplace so you can do the same.
How to be inclusive at work in 10 ways
1. Listen and learn from others.
Everyone’s voice at an organization needs to be heard and valued. Actively listen to what your coworkers say to fully understand their perspectives. Then, you can take what you learned from them and apply it to your everyday work.
Examples of being inclusive at work
If a peer suggests a new method for managing projects that is more inclusive for the whole team, take the time to understand their rationale. Then, you can integrate their approach into your workflow.
At Schneider, for example, associates attend workshops called Kaizens that focus on continuous improvement and innovation. They provide venues for people to hear different perspectives from those in other departments and out in the field. If they learn about a more inclusive method being used by someone else, they share that idea with their team.
2. Use inclusive language.
Using inclusive language in the workplace is crucial for creating an environment where all employees feel respected. Inclusive language acknowledges diversity, avoids stereotypes and biases and ensures no one feels marginalized or excluded.
Examples of being inclusive at work
The following are examples of being inclusive at work that use all-encompassing language:
- Avoid phrases that might be interpreted as ageist, such as "digital native" or "old school." Focus on the person's capabilities and experiences rather than their age.
- Be sensitive to religious diversity by acknowledging that not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Consider saying "Happy Holidays" instead of mentioning a specific religious holiday.
Make an effort to learn and use your colleagues' preferred pronouns. If you're unsure, ask politely. Or, include yours in introductions and in your email signature to encourage others to share theirs.
When addressing groups, avoid lumping people together based on a single characteristic. For example, instead of saying "the ladies in the office" or “the guys,” use their names or refer to them as "team members.”
3. Join a business group.
Some organizations have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) you can join that foster inclusion and give associates who share common backgrounds opportunities to connect. Schneider, for example, has Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that provide spaces for learning, discussion and growth.
Examples of being inclusive at work
Even if you’re not a member of an ERG, you can still attend their events and discussions to deepen your understanding of workplace inclusivity. Check with your company about the schedule of ERG-hosted events.
If your company doesn’t have ERGs, you can leverage external sources to grow your knowledge of inclusive concepts. Check out offerings like:
- TED Talks.
Podcasts.
4. Educate yourself.
A big part of being inclusive in the office is being aware of others’ backgrounds and differences. This means taking the time to learn about their experiences through conversations and other resources, like books, podcasts and articles.
Examples of being inclusive at work
If you’re not sure about something, respectfully ask your co-workers what their preferences are and if they can educate you on the topic. If you don’t feel comfortable asking them directly, take the time to research your questions on a search engine or social media.
5. Practice self-awareness.
Acknowledging your own biases isn’t easy, but it’s an important step to fostering inclusivity. By identifying and addressing these biases, you can make more thoughtful decisions and create a more welcoming environment at the office.
Examples of being inclusive at work
Reflect how your thoughts and behaviors impact your interactions with colleagues. Apply your learnings by:
- Being more mindful of how you speak to others.
Considering everyone’s perspective.
Practicing the ability to not get defensive.
Being open and understanding.
6. Promote an open dialogue.
Reinforcing a culture of open communication promotes diverse perspectives and team collaboration. This leads to more innovative and effective solutions within the organization.
Examples of being inclusive at work
Create opportunities for meaningful conversations during meetings or breaks with colleagues. This can be as simple as asking someone their perspective or opinion on whatever is being discussed.
Schneider encourages leaders and associates to have conversations like this to make the organization better. For example, an associate once approached me with a concern that involved many unknowns. To better understand their perspective, I consulted another leader who shared a similar background with the associate. By collaborating and combining our insights, we were able to develop a clear path forward.
7. Network with thought leaders.
Thought leaders are experts in specific fields who present new ideas and influence other people. Networking with these industry leaders can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your organization.
You can network with thought leaders by:
- Connecting with them on LinkedIn.
Attending a seminar or conference where various experts are speaking.
Joining professional business groups or online forums where you can share new ideas with others.
Examples of being inclusive at work
Attend a conference featuring experts from various backgrounds. Introduce their innovative ideas to your team and highlight how these perspectives could benefit your organization.
8. Volunteer to mentor a new associate.
Many companies, like Schneider, offer opportunities for mentorship. By investing time in developing others, you contribute to a more cohesive and welcoming work environment.
Examples of being inclusive at work
Mentoring a new associate through a lens of inclusivity might include:
- Sharing career experiences.
Discussing the importance of diversity of thought.
Networking with industry thought leaders.
Guiding the mentee on how to leverage their strengths in creative ways.
9. Review your company’s communication.
Inclusive language sets the tone for a welcoming workplace environment. If the wrong verbiage is being used within a company’s messaging, employees may not feel respected.
Examples of being inclusive at work
Check the emails, newsletters and internal documents your company shares to remove any biased or exclusionary terms. If you see problematic language being used, suggest an alternative that better reflects inclusivity.
10. Be open to feedback.
The best way to improve your inclusivity techniques is to be vulnerable, open and receptive to feedback.
Ask for feedback from various people, including your leader, colleagues and those with different backgrounds from you. By doing so, you may discover a better, more inclusive approach to your communication and actions.
Examples of being inclusive at work
The following are a few examples of ways you can gather insights:
- Ask your leader to evaluate your initiatives to promote inclusivity at work throughout the year. Set aside time to discuss their findings during your yearly performance review.
Reach out to a variety of co-workers to get their thoughts on a project or presentation you’re working on. Check if there are ways to show your content in a more inclusive way.
Collect feedback from attendees after you give a presentation to see what they liked and what could be improved. You can do this through email or by sending out a survey.
Connect with someone from a different department or an ERG to get their perspective on a situation.
Grow your interpersonal skills in the workplace.
