As businesses continue to evolve and grow, so do the diverse needs of their employees, customers, and communities. Inclusivity is no longer just a buzzword; it has become a vital component of modern-day business strategies.
As a Chamber of Commerce, we believe that inclusivity is essential to building a strong and vibrant economy that benefits everyone. That’s why, this past year, we introduced the Inclusivity and Accessibility Award at our Business Excellence Awards. This award is presented to a business or organization that demonstrates a commitment to making their products, services, and physical locations accessible to all people by their comprehensive approach to accessibility in the workplace, implementation of accessibility features, tools, and services throughout the customer experience, and providing an inclusive atmosphere for staff and clientele. This year’s award went to the 2023 Canada Games, for their work accommodating the needs of the thousands of volunteers who helped make the games possible.
If you want to make your business more inclusive and accessible, it is important to understand what inclusivity is and what it isn’t. Being inclusive in the workplace means creating a welcoming and supportive environment where all employees feel valued and respected for their unique perspectives and contributions. This not only boosts morale and productivity but also helps attract and retain top talent. Inclusivity isn’t just a box to check or a one time action, but something that requires an ongoing commitment to achieve.
For businesses, inclusivity involves recognizing and embracing diversity in all its forms, including age, race, gender, sexual orientation, and abilities. While this may sound quite broad and vague, there are actually many simple, practical ways that business can enhance their inclusivity:
- Review your policies and procedures: Take a critical look at your company’s policies and procedures to ensure they are inclusive and free from any biases. This includes everything from hiring practices to employee benefits and accommodations.
- Educate yourself and your team: Seek out resources and training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. There are lots of free resources available from reputable sources (such as our upcoming webinar[link] on accommodating learning disabilities in the workforce). Carving out some time in your schedule (even an hour a month!) for these types of activities can have a huge impact. Encourage your employees to learn about different cultures and perspectives, and hold regular discussions to foster understanding and respect.
- Encourage open communication: Build a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Provide multiple channels for feedback, such as employee surveys, one-on-one meetings, and anonymous suggestion boxes.
Inclusivity is not just something that is nice-to-have; it’s a necessary component of a successful and thriving business. By creating an inclusive workplace, businesses can attract and retain top talent, increase innovation, and build a stronger connection with their customers and communities. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.