How can we cultivate inclusive workplaces?
“Daring leaders work to make sure people can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging.” – Brené Brown
Gender is now at the leading edge of debate in schools, workplaces, religious communities, and legal arenas posing challenges to organizations. Our education team provides information, resources, and ongoing leadership coaching and support to those wishing to implement actions in their communities that result in safe environments for youth.
YES Institute receives inquiries from companies interested in creating inclusive and welcoming professional environments, especially through the lens of gender, orientation, and culture. The Florida Chapter of the National Diversity Council recently requested a dialogue to bring awareness on gender and orientation to employees in various organizations.
Our facilitators led the conversation with the latest research and asked participants about their own experiences in their workplace. The team posed, “are there social and workplace gender inequities you are still dealing with?” and the flood gates opened. At first folks shared what they witnessed and then it became personal.
One of the women shared that in her early years at a law firm, she was required to wear skirts or dresses as pants were only for the men in the office and too aggressive for women to wear. One of the men gave his personal experience with age and what he experienced with comments around generational differences.
As participants took the question a step further and grasped the personal impact of their own experiences in their lives, their sharing these moments allowed for their colleagues to discover something for themselves. Participants responded that this conversation really pointed to the need to allow folks to be their whole authentic selves both at home and at work.
When individuals are invited to be authentically who they are without repercussions, company culture shifts and it becomes a welcoming environment where employees are excited about going to work. Research and data shows companies with happier employees go above and beyond and outperform companies with employees who have low satisfaction levels and low psychological safety.
“Today’s workforce stands at a unique cultural and generational crossroad. As our social landscape continues to shift, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnic/racial equity are forefront topics in our modern workforce. Inclusion initiatives – or a lack thereof – can impact effective customer service, brand perception, and even the bottom line.” – Joseph Zolobczuk, Executive Director, YES Institute
How can we ensure all young people feel included and safe? The distinctions in our communication series connect people to a common purpose, even when they strongly disagree. In this course participants will gain practical tools for relating authentically, working across lines of difference, and cultivating environments where all feel seen, heard, and included.
Join us for our Communication Toolbox course on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 9am-2pm ET.