Over the past two years of my career, I can discern diversity but no inclusion in a team. Andrés Tapia, an expert in workplace solutions and diversity and inclusion, and Korn Ferry stated, "Diversity is the mix; inclusion is making the mix work." While a team is the diversity of people working towards a common goal, we find two groups, dominant and non-dominant groups, corresponding to heftiness of a task. For example, in the software industry, a dominant group includes people with techy responsibilities (like coding, quality assurance, etc), unlike non-dominant groups having people who work on the periphery of software applications. Unintentionally leader gears their attention towards dominant groups, thereby resulting in an unconscious bias. Therefore, we need to acculturate inclusion; a sense of belonging regardless of the nature of work.
A week ago, I came across a post on Reddit where technical writers were asked to prepare agendas, minutes, and take notes during a meeting, which is not part of their duty. We misconstrue responsibilities and forget to express our gratitude towards employees. On the other hand, employees feel undervalued for not having their accomplishments and work appreciated. As a result, they become less productive and innovative. Therefore, we need to acculturate inclusion; appreciating and rejoicing contribution.
Jeff Waldman, who wrote a blog post on "The importance of diversity and inclusion on employee engagement," stated, "In fact, diverse and inclusive workplaces boosts employee engagement." Some employees relentlessly work but aren't timely promoted or are promoted without a pay rise, waning employee engagement at work. Inevitably resulting in the trading of an employee associated with a company for over a decade by a new replacement. Therefore, we need to acculturate inclusion; promoting and rewarding the deserving ones.
Inclusion starts with "I"; YOU include, appreciate, and encourage everyone in a team regardless of their responsibilities or position. You can make a company prosper via inclusion; a sense of belonging, appreciating, celebrating, promoting, rewarding, and growing together.