What does inclusion mean?
Inclusion means that everyone feels welcome, respected, and included. There is a sense of belonging and community, regardless of factors like gender, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
Everyone should
- feel that what they say and do matter
- feel that they are important to their colleagues and the business
- feel valuable.
Why is it important?
Genuine inclusion improves the job satisfaction and provides better prerequisites for all co-workers to do a good job. When going to work feels rewarding and fun, sick leave and staff turnover are reduced at the same time as the atmosphere is improved. Inclusion is the foundation of a sound and productive work culture, where co-workers stand by and help each other.
A few examples
- The use of jargon with sexist and racist expressions – often disguised as jokes – can weigh down the mood and create insecurity. A respectful language leads to an improved security and atmosphere.
- Not everyone celebrates their holidays according to the Swedish calendar. Someone may want to work over Christmas to be able to get time off another time.
- Premises that are not adapted can make it difficult for people with reduced mobility to be there. It may lead to a loss of talented new recruitments and visitors.
- For different reasons, some people cannot and do not want to drink alcohol. By always offering alcohol-free alternatives when arranging after-work events, everyone feels welcome.
How to start changing
Perform a situation analysis:
- Are there any co-workers that are not heard or seen, who often might be absent due to illness or do not participate in common activities? Are there others who take up a lot of space and make jokes at others’ expense?
- Is there any discontent that often is brought up on common meetings or do the co-workers not dare to say what they really think?
- Do all co-workers have the possibility to join on equal terms? Are differences respected? Does everyone see and understand the value and strength of being different?
Start by developing some measures and lead by example. It means that you are showing the way by how you interact with the co-workers. Workplace culture should always begin with the management. If it seems difficult, get help from someone who specialises in inclusive workplaces.
