Five practical ways to embed inclusion in your workplace, everyday.
If your organisation is finding it challenging to support and retain diverse talent then maybe it’s time we talked about taking a different approach. Understanding how to support employees from minority or under represented groups in a majority space (like the workplace) does need leaders and managers to think differently and we offer coach training and masterclasses to equip your organisations with the skills and tools to do this. Our coaching doesn’t see inclusion ,equity and belonging as an ‘add on’ module but has these themes as the golden thread that runs through it.
Following on from National Inclusion Week’s* theme ‘Time to Act: The Power of Now’. here are five practical ways to embed inclusion in your workplace, everyday.
Recognise that that individuals from minority groups will not put their hands up and ask for help. Most are already trying to make out they are doing fine (the mask of dysfunctional resilience) and the last thing they will want you to think is ‘I am not coping’ or ‘not doing good enough’.
Make sure you change the narrative around what coaching is – it is empowering, connecting, confidence building, freeing… it is not because you are seen to be failing. And make it clear it can be accessed by all - not just those who are on career fast tracks schemes.
Make coaching available to all by ensuring diversity within the coaching pool. Give the opportunity for those in minority groups who need the support to feel represented by the people who are coaching them.
Recognise that the often conflicting systemic pressures on individuals from under-represented groups can mean that the first, second or even third issue that is presented as the ‘concern’ or ‘blocker’ is not the real issue. Don’t assume ‘you know what is going on’ and really listening and unpacking the layers will pay huge dividends longer term in helping employees to flourish.
Go slow to go fast – and by that I mean don’t rush the process to fit a nominal timeline ‘our hour is up’ or we only have 3 sessions. Push too hard too early and you will create a dynamic of dysfunctional resilience where you will hear what you want to hear (because that faking it to make is what they are good at). Build trust, take it at their pace, unpack the issues and get to the real roots and this will help to progress the ease and time it takes to build up confidence.
For more information and to experience our coaching approach sign up to one of our free taster sessions
*National Inclusion Week is a week dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces. Founded by Inclusive Employers, National Inclusion Week is now in its 10th year.
