Many workplaces are looking to implement strategies to promote a more positive workplace and this often includes focusing on how diverse, inclusive and equitable it is. The realization that this is a critical component of every workplace is becoming increasingly prevalent. Not only is this a value add for any potential applicant, but it also has an overall positive effect on the business. By increasing the number of perspectives, lived experiences, backgrounds and identities in the workplace, you increase your ability to stay relevant, innovative and at the top of your game. If you want to promote a more diverse and inclusive environment at work, here are a few steps to help you support that desire.

Promote a Professionally Supportive Culture

If you are looking to promote your diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, you need to build a community. By establishing up programs that have a specific purpose like professional support mentorship programs, you can help your employees build up relationships with those who have different perspectives and lives. You can give employees a clear purpose to create a connection with others and at the same time, mentors can also give back.

Promote and Select Leadership Intentionally and Carefully

In the professional sphere, homogenous teams, particularly in senior leadership can be incredibly detrimental for a company. Not only will your employees see that there is no one in leadership roles who they can personally identify with, who has experienced similar challenges, but this also leaves you devoid of key perspectives and diversity of thought. If you want to ensure that your company’s leadership is thriving, you need to ensure that the leadership structure is diverse and allows opportunities for marginalized identities and underrepresented populations.

Evaluate Your Exclusionary Policies

If you want to promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace, you need to take a cold, hard look at your policies. You may be unaware of this but the reality may be that many of your policies may be directly or indirectly affecting your employees. In the case of parental leave, policies like the amount of time they are allowed with paid leave may be a major factor. If you want to promote an environment where employees from all walks of life are not just tolerated, but welcomed, you need to take steps to promote a workplace for all types of employees.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are the hot topics in the workplace. While these may seem trendy, promoting these principles and ensuring that your company is open to all professionals who hold a wide variety of identities is actually beneficial to your overall bottom line.