The year 2020 brought many challenges and highlighted critical issues that demanded attention—one of the most significant being racial equality. This focus continued as the White House issued an Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Clearly, this is an important issue for society, and businesses must consider how to address it thoughtfully and responsibly.
So how can organizations take meaningful steps toward inclusion and equity?
1. Develop a Strategy for an Inclusive Culture
Many business leaders believe that inclusivity is reflected solely in how people are treated within an organization. While this is true, strategy plays a central role in shaping culture.
Strategy drives decision-making, priorities, and resource allocation, while culture supports the execution of that strategy. Creating an inclusive environment requires more than a one-time DE&I training session. Especially in smaller teams, managers must actively create psychologically safe environments where employees feel comfortable being themselves and sharing their experiences openly.
Rather than reacting out of fear—such as concerns about public criticism for lack of diversity—organizations should take a proactive and strategic approach. Businesses that intentionally plan for inclusion are better positioned to succeed in an increasingly diverse world.
2. Connect with Your Employees
Take a moment to reflect on your relationships with your employees. Do your interactions encourage openness and trust? Do team members feel safe speaking honestly with you?
An inclusive workplace can only exist when employees feel heard and respected. As a first step toward inclusion, make a genuine effort to connect with your team on a personal and human level. Avoid assumptions about people’s backgrounds or lifestyles, and instead, allow space for individuals to share their own stories.
It’s important to understand that this approach may lead to difficult conversations. Not everyone will immediately embrace an inclusive mindset. As a leader, you must be prepared to address situations where a client, partner, employee, or manager excludes or judges others. Standing by your values—even when challenged—is essential.
Harvard University has also compiled helpful resources focused on racism education, which can support businesses on this journey.
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