10 tips for building a more inclusive workplace in 2022

The rise in remote work culture and its side effects leading to the Great Resignation has shaken up the dynamics of traditional workspaces in 2022. As a result, HR managers and industry leaders worldwide are working towards making workplaces more inclusive and creating a mental health-friendly environment for their employees. According to an OC tanner report, organizations with diverse and inclusive cultures deliver dramatically better results. Note that diversity and inclusivity are different from one another. Inclusivity in a workplace can be defined as an effort to support a diverse workforce.

Whether you are an industry leader or an HR professional thinking about building a more inclusive culture in the workspace, this Pacific Prime Hong Kong article explores all the different things you can do to improve inclusivity in offices in 2022.

1. Start from the top 

Start by educating your company’s leaders about the importance of an inclusive workspace. This means diversity and inclusivity training starting at the top level of management. The training sessions will help create a safe space for leaders to express their unfiltered questions or doubts before adopting a fully inclusive attitude.

Once the top leaders are on track and comfortable with inclusivity, they will become the perfect resources for setting an authentic, inclusive tone for everyone else in the company.

2. Make inclusivity a core value 

It’s a good idea to revisit your company’s core values once every now and then. And if inclusive culture is not already a part of the core values, get the buy-in from leadership to draft a new list of core values. Try to take suggestions from employees while drafting, as the additional perspective may help fill in a blank you missed as well as earn their trust.

3. Speak inclusively 

You can set an example by actively embracing the change as a leader or an HR professional. You can start by paying attention to the preferred pronouns and use the term “partner” instead of “husband” or “wife.” Be careful with your jokes and avoid using harmful language. If you do, apologize immediately and never repeat the mistake.

4. Check in whenever you can

You can gain the trust of your employees by indulging in non-work-related conversations. Note that your employees will only be open and honest with you if they trust you. So, get started by talking to your employees and asking them how they feel about the company or discussing the challenges they may experience in your workspace.

Adapt a feedback culture in your company, where employees can freely express their experiences anonymously.

5. Build a safe space 

Companies across the world have done a tremendous job building inclusive workspaces by installing non-binary and gender-neutral restrooms. If your company hasn’t already created such space, consider it. You can extend the initiative into dedicating a room for privacy that can be used for nursing, prayers, meditation, and more.

If your employees work remotely, you can still create a digital safe space by encouraging them to add pronouns to their email signatures and user names. Additionally, you can motivate them to block their calendars to reserve time for various personal needs.

6. Redo the holiday calendar 

In addition to Christian and secular holidays like New Year and Christmas, try to include holidays that represent other prominent festivals that your employees celebrate. However, if company-wide holidays are not possible, you can always acknowledge them by noting them on the calendar to increase the sense of recognition for those who celebrate.

7. Create an opportunity for a conversation

How well do you know your employees? No matter how friendly you think you are, your employees are likely to hold back from speaking their minds. So, create different opportunities where employees can freely express themselves. You can achieve this by organizing monthly town hall meetings, team lunches, happy hours, etc.

8. Create events that promote inclusivity 

Think about inclusivity while planning work events. For example, you could host a Pride Month event by screening a documentary, inviting a guest speaker, etc. In addition, you can also promote inclusivity in the workspace by supporting charities that support diverse groups, asking an expert to speak on gender equality at a company event, and so on.

9. Include multilingual signage

Installing signs in different languages can create a welcoming atmosphere for employees and visitors. The sign boards also remind employees that they are part of a more diverse world, regardless of the language spoken at work.

10. Invest in a disability-friendly office design 

Revisit your office layout to check whether it is disability-friendly. Make sure to install wheelchair-accessible paths, especially in common areas. And if your disabled employees are working remotely, you can set aside a budget to supply them with the resources they need for working from home.

Learn more about inclusivity and employee benefits programs with Pacific Prime

Securing an employee benefits plan or group health insurance in Hong Kong can be confusing. Lucky for you, Pacific Prime Hong Kong is here to help you navigate through different comprehensive group insurance plans. With over 20 years of experience and a robust global presence, we offer expert advice on employee benefits and insurance and create custom plans based on your requirements.

Contact Pacific Prime Hong Kong for a free quote today!