Diversity: Creating inclusive and equitable workplaces

New-work concepts are becoming increasingly popular, prompting many companies to look more closely at issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at a workplace. Thanks to increasing flexibility, autonomy and innovation, new-work concepts have the potential to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces - but only with targeted efforts, as systemic barriers must be actively overcome.

List of content:

1. What is DEI?
2. What can companies do to create inclusive and equitable workplaces?
3. No pain, no gain?
   

1. What is DEI?

DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion and is a conceptual framework designed to help create and promote fairness, especially at a workplace. Particularly relevant is the integration of populations that have historically been underrepresented or discriminated against because of their origin, identity, or gender.

2. What can companies do to create inclusive and equitable workplaces?

1. Define and communicate values: 
   To create an inclusive and diverse workplace, it is important to define what this means for the company. Develop clear values around inclusion and diversity and communicate them to all employees.
   
   
2. Foster a culture of inclusion: 
   A culture of inclusion starts with leadership and permeates all levels of the organization. Leaders should create space for such issues by prioritizing DEI and creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and respected.
   
   
3. Promote diversity: 
   Companies can actively promote diversity by recruiting and retaining employees from diverse (intercultural) backgrounds. This includes expanding recruitment efforts, for example, by posting jobs in English to reach a larger pool of candidates. Providing support and development opportunities for employees from underrepresented groups is also beneficial.
   
   
4. Provide equal opportunities: 
   New work practices such as remote work and flexible scheduling can offer employees the chance to balance work and personal commitments better. It is important that these opportunities are offered equally to all employees (regardless of their background or role in the company).
   
   
5. Create inclusive policies and practices: 
   Policies and practices that support DEI, such as anti-discrimination policies and accommodations for employees with disabilities, can create a more inclusive workplace culture. Companies can also provide resources for employees to report incidents of discrimination or bias and ensure that these reports are taken seriously and handled appropriately.
   
   
6. Ongoing DEI education and training: 
   Training and education programs can help employees understand the importance of DEI and give them the tools and knowledge they need to contribute to a more inclusive workplace.

No pain, no gain?

In summary, New Work concepts hold a lot of potential for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces.
But no pain, no gain: It takes a lot of conscious effort to remove systemic barriers and promote diversity, especially in traditional companies. But it is worth it! Because through ongoing development of inclusive policies and practices, a culture of inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity can be integrated into the workplace. And ultimately, it's not just the employees who benefit, but the companies as well, thanks to increased employer attractiveness and employee retention. 

Expert tip: Monitor and measure the progress to ensure that the desired values and goals are being realized. Because only when efforts are also evaluated, resources can be used wisely and adjustments made if necessary!

Still have questions? Contact our Hybrid Work experts for a free live demo and learn how desk.ly lives appreciation, inclusion and diversity!