Creating a truly inclusive workplace goes beyond policy—it’s about our daily actions and interactions.
The Inclusive Practice Toolkit is a is a living resource to help us all build a more equitable and welcoming workplace, covering topics from accessible work environments to inclusive daily interactions. As our collective understanding and commitment to inclusion grow, we'll continue to add more resources to this toolkit, ensuring it evolves with us on our journey.
Top Tips for Creating an Inclusive Workplace
Creating an inclusive workplace is a collective effort. It's not just about company policies or People Team initiatives; it's about the everyday actions and interactions of every team member. These eight tips are designed to help you, as a colleague, contribute to a culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work. By actively practicing these behaviours, we can build a more welcoming and productive environment for all.
Listen Actively. Focus on understanding, not just responding. Show you value what your colleagues have to say by listening with empathy.
Check Your Assumptions. Be aware of your own biases. Instead of assuming, ask questions to understand a colleague's unique perspective.
Use Inclusive Language. Choose your words carefully. Avoid jargon or slang, use gender-neutral terms, and be mindful of how your jokes might land.
Amplify Underrepresented Voices. In meetings, make space for colleagues who are being interrupted or not being heard. Help ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
Respect Differences. Learn about and respect your colleagues' diverse cultures, backgrounds, and holidays. Celebrate what makes each person unique.
Speak Up Against Exclusion. If you see something, say something. Respectfully challenge insensitive comments or actions to show they're not acceptable.
Be a Sponsor and an Ally. Actively advocate for colleagues from different backgrounds. Share your knowledge and connections, and use your influence to help create opportunities and celebrate their success.
Educate Yourself. Don't rely on others to teach you. Take responsibility for your own learning about diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.
The Toolkit
Accessible Workplaces
Creating an accessible workplace benefits everyone by fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. This section offers guidance on reasonable adjustments, understanding neurodiversity, and using a 'Working with me' guide to ensure every colleague has the tools and support they need to succeed.
Inclusive Decision Making Guide
Thinking inclusively at the start of any project or significant decision helps us to anticipate and address potential impacts on our global community. While we are planning to introduce a more comprehensive equality impact assessment tool in the future, this simple self-assessment guide is a useful way to help you consider how your choices might affect others, ensuring a more equitable outcome for everyone.
Addressing Exclusionary Behaviour
Everyone has a part to play in creating a respectful and inclusive environment. This section provides practical guidance on how to address and respond to microaggressions and minimisations, helping us all to confidently challenge exclusionary behaviours when they occur.
Menopause at Work
Recognizing that menopause is a natural part of life, this section offers support and resources to help colleagues navigate this transition. It provides practical advice and information to ensure a supportive environment for those experiencing menopause symptoms at work.
Transitioning at Work
For our transgender and non-binary colleagues, transitioning is a deeply personal journey that may involve social, legal, or medical steps. This guidance is designed to support both individuals and managers through the process, ensuring a smooth and respectful transition at work.