There exists a critical distinction between inclusion and belonging in the workplace, both of which play a crucial role in fostering true diversity.
Inclusion is commonly understood as creating an environment wherein people from various backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. However, the article highlights that true diversity goes beyond inclusion. It introduces the concept of “belonging,” which involves creating an atmosphere where every individual feels a deep sense of acceptance and attachment to the organization.
Focusing solely on inclusion may not be sufficient to unlock the full potential of a diverse workforce, companies must also create a culture of belonging, where employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or bias.
There are several strategies that can be implemented to achieve this:
Leadership Commitment – Leadership should be committed to fostering a culture of belonging, and setting the tone for the entire organization.
Awareness and Training – Companies should provide awareness training on diversity and inclusion to educate employees about different perspectives and experiences.
Inclusive Policies – Implement policies and practices that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes diverse hiring practices, equitable promotions, and unbiased performance evaluations.
Open Dialogue – Encourage open and honest conversations about diversity and inclusion. Create safe spaces for employees to share their experiences and concerns.
Mentoring and Sponsorship – Establish mentoring and sponsorship programs to support the career growth of underrepresented employees.
Metrics and Accountability – Set measurable goals for diversity and inclusion and hold leaders accountable for progress.
Employee Resource Groups – Support and empower employee resource groups that focus on different aspects of diversity.
While inclusion is a crucial step, fostering a sense of belonging is the ultimate goal. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a workplace where all employees feel they truly belong, leading to enhanced creativity, innovation, and overall success.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jody Ordioni is the author of “The Talent Brand.” In her role as Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Brandemix, she leads the firm in creating brand-aligned talent communications that connect employees to cultures, companies, and business goals. She engages with HR professionals and corporate teams on how to build and promote talent brands, and implement best-practice talent acquisition and engagement strategies across all media and platforms. She has been named a "recruitment thought leader to follow" and her mission is to integrate marketing, human resources, internal communications, and social media to foster a seamless brand experience through the employee lifecycle.
