{"id":504,"date":"2020-05-11T09:33:10","date_gmt":"2020-05-11T09:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk\/?page_id=504"},"modified":"2024-02-26T13:43:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T13:43:10","slug":"what-is-workplace-inclusion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk\/about\/what-is-workplace-inclusion\/","title":{"rendered":"What is inclusion?"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

What is workplace inclusion?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n

Inclusion is a broad subject and is a term that trips off the tongue of many. However, people have different understandings of what the word means. In order to understand inclusion in the workplace, it is important to know what inclusion means:<\/p>\n

Cambridge Dictionary’s official definition for inclusion<\/a> is:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe act of including someone or something as part of a group, list, etc., or a person or thing that is included.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Cambridge Dictionary<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Simply put, inclusion in the workplace is about ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected as an individual.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Is there a difference between diversity and inclusion?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n

Many people interchange the words inclusion, diversity, equality, and even equity.<\/p>\n

However, focusing on inclusion does not prevent us from thinking about, discussing, or acting on diversity and equality.<\/p>\n

Equality<\/h3>\n

Equality is about the fair treatment of everyone and is often linked to the legislative framework in the UK, The Equality Act 2010.<\/p>\n

Equity<\/h3>\n

Equity is about creating equal possible outcomes for everyone because, despite effort and merit, people can experience substantial barriers in the workplace.<\/p>\n

Diversity<\/h3>\n

Diversity is the mix of people.<\/p>\n

Inclusion<\/h3>\n

Inclusion is the culture in which the mix of people can come to work, feel comfortable and confident to be themselves and work in a way that suits them and delivers your business or service needs. Inclusion will ensure that everyone feels valued and, importantly, adds value.<\/p>\n

What is inclusion in the workplace?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n

At Inclusive Employers<\/a>, we focus on workplace inclusion. Inclusion is an overarching culture encompassing diversity, equality, and many other aspects of our working lives.<\/p>\n

It would be na\u00efve to think that by focusing on inclusion, we automatically mitigate the inequalities that exist in the workplace.<\/p>\n

With inclusion as our objective, we are much more likely to see greater diversity in our workforces, fair treatment of everyone and greater equality of opportunities as outcomes.<\/p>\n

Why is workplace inclusion important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n

All evidence proves<\/a> that organisations focused on building a more inclusive culture attract and retain a wider diversity of talent.<\/p>\n

An inclusive culture empowers diverse talent to think differently and share their experiences and perspectives, which is a key driver for innovation, development and engagement.<\/p>\n

Inclusive cultures enable our colleagues to do things differently, working in ways that suit them, flex working patterns<\/a> to ensure their life-work balance is healthy and that they can deliver their best for their organisation.<\/p>\n

This focus on inclusion equips our colleagues<\/a> to make a difference in their well-being and in the success of our organisations.<\/p>\n

The world is changing, and inclusion is imperative to future-proof our workplaces<\/a>, with many organisations priding themselves on an inclusive workplace model. However, true inclusion is always ongoing and about consistent learning.<\/p>\n

Visit our membership page<\/a> to learn more about joining us to help create a more inclusive workplace.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Understanding the impact of workplace inclusion and diversity<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n

Workplace inclusion is crucial to a successful organisation<\/a>. However, there will inevitably be challenges along the way.<\/p>\n

See below the benefits and challenges of inclusion and diversity at work.<\/p>\n

The benefits of workplace inclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Feeling included is a key aspect of human life. Many of us can recall a sense of exclusion: moments when we felt left out; other; different; that we weren\u2019t welcome or weren\u2019t appreciated.<\/p>\n

Inclusion is the reverse: making people feel welcome; ensuring that it is safe for them to express who they choose to be; demonstrating our appreciation for their input; working collaboratively and showing we care.<\/p>\n

People spend the majority of their time at work, so it’s critical that they feel safe and respected. The advantages of inclusion and diversity in the workplace are numerous, with main benefits including a large pool of talent, a positive culture, and mutual respect throughout.<\/p>\n

The challenges of workplace<\/strong> inclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Developing workplace inclusion can be challenging. People have different requirements and different things that are important to them.<\/p>\n

Some challenges you may face are:<\/p>\n