7 signs that your workplace embraces inclusion

Is your organisation a champion in harnessing the power of diversity and promoting the magic of inclusion?

Here are 7 quick characteristics  that tell if your organisation does so:

1. The stories you share
   An environment where people share more stories of fairness and equality and less of discrimination and prejudice. The stories go beyond age/ gender/ region and culture.
2. Speak no evil
   People are sensitive to using appropriate language.
3. Walking the talk
   Fair and equal is a value not preached but demonstrated in action. People are treated equally no matter their race, religion, gender, size, age, or country of origin.
4. The ‘Unofficial’ Dress Code
   The dress code includes smiles, happiness and genuineness.
5. Diversity is Diverse
   Diversity of all types in terms of gender, generation, cultural, differently talented etc is visible to be coexisting with cheer as the backdrop. Women walk with their heads held high and are comfortable being different from men.
6. Hierarchy
   Hierarchy sits more in Organisational charts and less in day to day interactions.
7. Policy Support
   Supportive policies exist which consistently reinforce the belief of inclusion and a deviation is dealt with seriously.

If you see these signs around then I believe your organisation is a champion to the cause, but if they are missing, its time to roll up our sleeves, and start making the difference.

I would like to conclude with the words of the American Writer, Max De Pree who beautifully described why it is important to allow diversity to exist,

“We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.”.