12.09.24
How to Build an Inclusive Workforce
By Hannah Anderson, Director of Content Strategy, The Chamber
What does diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) mean for your business? DEI is not just a trend; it’s a strategic approach to building stronger, more innovative organizations. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is to build an inclusive workforce.
When effectively integrated, DEI principles drive innovation, enhance collaboration and improve employee satisfaction. At The Chamber’s Workforce Forum on Nov. 21, Whitney Harvey, senior director of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion at the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, provided several strategies for embedding inclusive practices into recruitment, retention and organizational culture.
Tackle Unconscious Bias in Hiring
One of the first steps toward building an inclusive workforce is recognizing the unconscious biases that influence hiring decisions. Harvey emphasizes these biases—often subtle and unintentional—can limit opportunities for diverse candidates, preventing companies from tapping into the full range of available talent. By training hiring teams to recognize and address these biases, organizations can create a more equitable recruitment process that attracts a broader pool of candidates.
So, what can you do?
Implement unconscious bias training for all hiring managers to ensure recruitment processes are fair and inclusive, helping organizations attract diverse talent.
Foster Long-Term Inclusion Beyond Recruitment
Attracting top talent is just the beginning. Retaining a diverse workforce requires more than just inclusive hiring practices—it requires an ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel supported and empowered to succeed. Creating this type of environment involves offering continuous professional development, mentoring and opportunities for growth that reflect the unique needs and strengths of diverse individuals.
Your next step.
Develop programs that promote mentorship, leadership development and career progression for all employees, especially those from underrepresented groups, to create a truly inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
Go Beyond Equality to Cultivate Equity
Harvey says that while equality ensures everyone is treated the same, equity acknowledges that different individuals may need different tools, resources and opportunities to succeed.
This distinction is key to unlocking the full potential of a diverse workforce. By addressing the unique needs of employees—whether through targeted resources, flexible work options or specialized training—organizations can create a level playing field where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Here’s an idea.
Evaluate workplace policies and resources to ensure they are equitable, offering tailored support to individuals based on their specific needs, challenges and career goals.
Inclusion is a Continuous, Intentional Process
Building a truly inclusive workplace is not a quick fix or a task solely for the human resources department. It is a long-term commitment that involves every leader and employee in the organization. Inclusion is an ongoing process—one that requires consistent effort and intentional actions to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Inclusion means creating a workplace where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work, feel supported in their roles and have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.
Great! Now what?
Foster a company-wide culture of inclusion by promoting open communication, implementing feedback loops and ensuring all employees have a voice in shaping workplace culture and policies.
The Bottom Line: DEI Drives Growth and Retention
Ultimately, DEI is not about checking boxes or meeting quotas. It’s about unlocking the full potential of a diverse workforce to drive growth, innovation and success. A workplace that values diversity, prioritizes equity and fosters inclusion will not only attract top talent but will also retain that talent by creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and thrive.
Here’s what you should do.
Make DEI a core value of your organization’s mission and vision, ensuring that it is reflected in everything from recruitment practices to company policies and daily operations. By embedding DEI in every aspect of your business, you create a foundation for long-term success.
By implementing these DEI strategies, businesses can cultivate a workforce that is diverse, engaged and positioned for sustainable growth.
take the next step
Sign up for our free, 3-part training series, Inclusion Insights today! Whitney will be joining us as our facilitator, and she has even more great strategies for you to start implementing into your business.