Modern workplaces can’t know true success without cultivating an environment of equity and inclusivity. This goal has gone from an aspiration to a necessity in the business world and requires communication that takes everyone’s experiences into account. However, inclusive discussions cannot only exist at the surface level and must be deeply rooted in respect, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn.
A genuinely inclusive business promotes equality and fairness in every department and commits to recognizing the importance of integrating differing viewpoints. This means the perspectives and experiences of all employees need to be considered in decision-making and day-to-day operations. This approach allows everyone to contribute their unique perspectives and provides equal opportunities for success.
It’s important to note that while diversity and inclusivity go hand-in-hand, they are not the same thing. In business, diversity refers to a workforce of people from different backgrounds, racial identities, genders, ages, sexual identities, and abilities. Inclusivity focuses on creating an environment where all employees receive respect and fairness. Here are four tips for fostering inclusive communication in your workplace.
1. Provide Adequate Training and Resources
Adequate resources and training are pivotal in equipping employees with the tools they’ll need for respectful and effective communication. These strategies could include workshops on cultural competence, gender bias, sexual identity sensitivity, and understanding microaggressions. For example, a global financial company would benefit from attending lectures and reading literature about unconscious biases in negotiations.
That said, relying on employees to jump-start these talks and gather their own tools isn’t a viable option for success. Bringing in a professional to develop policies, strategies, and programs takes the pressure off your employees and provides an experienced perspective. A DEI speaker is an expert at fostering these crucial workplace conversations and facilitating growth. These professionals are well-versed in creating a safe and open environment for discussing sensitive topics, navigating conflicts, and ensuring conversations are productive and respectful.
2. Amplify Diverse Voices
The business world is a rich landscape of various cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. This range offers incredible opportunities for companies to amplify voices and tap into talent. Encourage and involve employees of diverse backgrounds in all aspects of company business, from workplace training to important board meetings. That said, be mindful of who leads different business conversations. For example, a white colleague is not the best fit to discuss the impact of microaggressions on racial minorities.
Diverse voices are also crucial for detecting any blindspots in your company language. Sometimes insensitive comments are made out of ignorance as opposed to maliciousness. Input from various backgrounds, particularly minority groups, provides invaluable insight into how human experiences differ. This knowledge pushes employees outside a limited viewpoint, encouraging learning and empathizing with others.
To effectively utilize workplace diversity, your company should conduct regular internal audits to identify the composition of the workforce and fill in necessary gaps through recruitment. Amplifying diverse voices goes beyond checking boxes; it’s about harnessing unique industry talents and perspectives.
3. Learn the Art of Listening
Active listening is a requirement for effective communication and shows a willingness to learn from different perspectives. This approach means listening to colleagues without interruptions and providing non-verbal cues like eye contact and head nods. Verbal cues are another component of active listening, such as asking open-ended questions and summarizing discussion points. For instance, if a Black colleague discusses how the company can better reach racial minorities, everyone should provide eye contact, insightful questions, and empathic responses.
Active listening can reduce misunderstandings, build bridges, and nurture a work culture of inclusivity. Employees will feel more comfortable speaking up about issues if they are confident their opinions will be heard and respected. Creating this environment can benefit the company as more ideas and strategies come forth. Businesses embracing the art of active listening can expect more innovative solutions, stronger workplace bonds, and better workplace satisfaction.
4. Unlock Empathy
Empathy plays a crucial role in understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints. Effective empathy means being understanding and compassionate when people speak up about an idea or issue. Considering how your language could affect someone from a different background is vital to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all employees. Everyone in the workplace, especially leadership, needs to be considerate of the thoughts and feelings of others.
Empathy also doesn’t always refer to taking a metaphorical walk in someone else’s shoes. It also means believing someone when they tell you about their experience. For example, if a colleague discusses the importance of using correct pronouns, meet that vulnerability with kindness and receptiveness, regardless of your experience. It isn’t reasonable for anyone to define someone else’s life perspective. Approaching each other’s stories respectfully and openly creates an environment for continued growth, strengthened trust, and a strong community.
Cultivating Connection Through Communication
How a workplace approaches inclusive conversations provides invaluable insight into how the business operates overall. Work settings that shy away from the importance of inclusivity are cutting off space for minds to grow and voices to be heard. The awkwardness that can surround some of these conversations, especially if they’re new to the workplace, doesn’t discredit the necessity of promoting inclusive language. Comfortability isn’t the main priority, especially if you belong to an inherently privileged group.
Talking is one thing, but it is nothing without tangible action. For example, someone could say they respect BIPOC voices, but that’s meaningless if they dismiss opinions from these groups during projects. Fostering inclusive communication will require continued growth, commitment to understanding, and celebrating the experience of all employees. Let inclusive communication signify your company’s unwavering dedication to equity, unity, and progress.
In conclusion, for more information and helpful tips, check out our comprehensive guide.
