The inclusive workforce is the back bone of company. The inclusive workforce includes employees from marginalized communities, minorities, different race, ethnicity, sex etc. companies strive to nurture an inclusive workforce because it brings out innovation.

""Inclusion"" means creating an environment wherein everybody is respected, valued, and supported irrespective of their identities. Making everyone feel a sense of ''belongingness'' while being in the notice of everybody and finding equal representation of all.

Benefits of Inclusive Workforce

A diverse workforce values an inclusive workplace. It acknowledges the difference in workforce and assures equality of opportunity to all. An inclusive work environment makes the people secure about confiding in their disabilities, visible or not.

• Increases creativity

  Inclusive workspace promotes, celebrates diversity of culture, perspectives. Making employees comfortable in their workspace makes them more productive, creative.

• Improves productivity

  Employees are more focused if they are given an inclusive environment. This makes them much more focused and productive. They feel more valued, and their creative freedom adds to their productivity.

• Better employee satisfaction

  Inclusive workplace creates a sense of belongingness amongst the employees. This leads to employees voicing their opinions, gives them feeling of being heard.

• Uplifted brand image

  Companies insisting on an inclusive workforce are more likely to be favored by customers. This is usually because they align with their customer''s value. Also, employee value proposition will be highlighted and the overall brand''s visibility will be increased with better recall value.

How does a Workplace Ensures an Inclusive Workforce?

Before creating an inclusive workplace, there are a few components that must be taken care of:

1. Fair policies

   Designing and implementing policies which are favorable to all irrespective of their identity and background.

2. Harboring diversity

   Seeking diversity at all levels of the company. For employees as well as management.

3. 2- way communication

   Open communication where employees can share their concerns with the management and the other way around.

4. No tolerance for discrimination

   Implementing policies strictly that deal with discrimination or any other type of bias at work.

5. Full implementation of policies

   Policies should be implemented effectively and without waste of time. Policies not just recognizing diversity but also dealing with discrimination or any kind of harassment.

4 Steps to Cultivate Inclusive Workforce

For cultivating an inclusive workforce, step one is letting go off old policies and framing new ones.

The job should be accessible to all people across the globe. This can be achieved through hiring agencies, job fairs, and social media presence, etc. To feed this army of workers, the following are the things that should be done, which include:

1. Work policy redoing

   First of all, the task of making and devising policies that are inclusive and can play in the favor of all should be kept at the top priority. The policies should ensure equality, respect, and sense of justice for all the employees.

2. Communicate effectively

   Creating an inclusive workforce is not enough on its own. Communicating expectations are also necessary. It should be seen to it that there is a two- way communication.

   Employees must be able to communicate their grievances and needs as well. You could also arrange an ""inclusive panel"" to assist. This will make decision making more transparent.

3. Conduct exit interviews and feedback

   Exit interviews may be useful. This will give a clear picture as to why employees leave. It might point out the failures of the company, and hence, it could be rectified. It is essential for a company to realize the expectations of its employees.

4. Celebrate differences

   It will help if the diversity of the background of the employees is recognized and acknowledged to bring out their uniqueness in the work, thus fostering the feeling of belongingness.

Conclusion

Inclusion creates a very extraordinary work environment and employee work experience. An inclusive work environment fosters belonging and a will to do the job by employees effectively.

They feel more involved in the policy and decisions of the company when the employees are being heard. This would further help the company or the brand to have a better reputation as it would resonate with their client''s values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is an inclusive workplace?

A1. ""Inclusive workplace"" refers to the environment at the workplace that makes every employee feel valued, not just as a part of the group, but also as an individual.

Q2. What does it mean to have an inclusive place to work?

A2. Having an inclusive work environment harnesses the ability of each individual. The inclusive workforce is the backbone of a company.

Q3. How to nurture an inclusive workplace?

A3. For the inception of an inclusive workforce, reconstruction of work policies, conducting exit interviews, and effective communication will help.