Top Ten Tips for… Making the Workplace More Inclusive

With National Inclusion Week taking place in September, it is a great opportunity to reflect on how inclusive your workplace is. Creating an inclusive workplace doesn’t always require major changes.  

The small, everyday actions can make employees feel heard and supported. From reviewing your policies to incorporating flexible working arrangements, there are many ways to build a more inclusive working environment. Here are some of our top tips… 

1.    1. Listen 

Create regular opportunities for people to share ideas, concerns and experiences. This could be through 1-1’s, staff surveys or team meetings. Employees are more likely to engage when they can see that their feedback is taken seriously.  

1.    2. Make communication accessible 

Consider how information is shared and whether everyone can access and understand it. Use clear, straightforward language and consider different communication preferences. Where appropriate, provide information in different formats.  

1.    3. Make meetings more inclusive 

Share meeting agendas in advance, give people time to consider their views and make space for different voices during the meeting. For hybrid meetings, consider how remote employees can still participate fully. 

1.    4. Review your recruitment process 

Review your job adverts, application process and interview format to identify any potential barriers. Consider whether candidates have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience.  

1.    5. Support flexible working 

Where possible, consider different working arrangements to help employees balance work and personal commitments. This might include flexible start and finish times, hybrid working or part time hours. It’s important that employees understand what options are available and how to request them. 

1.    6. Give managers the right support 

Make sure managers have the right knowledge to handle conversations around workplace concerns and wellbeing. Provide appropriate training and guidance to help them respond consistently and confidently, while also knowing when to seek further support.  

1.    7. Allow time to process 

When introducing workplace changes, remember that not everyone will respond and adapt at the same pace. Whether it’s a new policy or an organisational change, give employees time to understand what is happening and ask questions. Consider how the change might affect them.  

1.    8. Review your policies 

It’s important to regularly review your policies to ensure they still reflect your working practices and legal obligations. Make sure employees understand the policies and know where to go if they have questions or concerns.  

1.    9. Make training accessible 

Making training accessible ensures that development opportunities are available to everyone. Consider the format, materials and delivery method, and whether they are accessible for everyone who needs to take part.  

1.    10. Be prepared to act  

It’s important to take action if an employee raises concerns or if feedback identifies an issue. This may mean reviewing a policy, providing additional training or making a reasonable adjustment.  

Inclusion is an ongoing process, so use feedback and experience to continually review what’s working and where improvements can be made.