From September 23rd to September 29th it is National Inclusion Week (NIW). This week is dedicated to celebrating inclusion and driving action toward creating more inclusive workplaces. The theme for 2024 is ‘Impact Matters,’ serving as a call to action for everyone within an organisation, from leaders to inclusion professionals to teams and individuals. This theme emphasises that real change comes from intentional actions, big or small, that collectively shape a more inclusive workplace environment.
How to get involved in National Inclusion Week
After registering to participate in NIW, the next step is to plan how your workplace will actively celebrate this important week. Recognising NIW demonstrates a company’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I). It also creates a safe space for employees to learn more about fostering inclusion in their work environment.
Below are three ways to celebrate:
- Workshops and training sessions: this week is ideal for training employees and managers on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive language, and neurodiversity. Invite experts to lead these sessions, either in person or online. Tailor the content to address your organisation’s specific needs, whether it’s understanding the dynamics of diverse teams or learning how to foster an environment of psychological safety.
- Review and update company policies: ensure that company policies reflect a genuine commitment to inclusion, from recruitment and onboarding to promotions and conflict resolution. Engage employees in the process by soliciting their feedback on current practices and potential areas for improvement.
- Create or strengthen Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): if your organisation doesn’t have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in place, NIW is an excellent opportunity to establish these networks. ERGs provide a safe space for employees with similar interests, backgrounds, or experiences to connect, share their perspectives, and foster a sense of belonging. Encourage cross-ERG collaboration to build a more inclusive culture.
ED&I strategies for 2025
While National Inclusion Week is a valuable opportunity for companies to make a visible commitment to inclusion, it’s crucial that this commitment extends beyond the week itself. Developing a long-term ED&I strategy for 2025 ensures that the organisation continues to foster an inclusive culture throughout the year.
Here are some ways to prepare for 2025:
- Set clear and measurable goals: develop a roadmap for 2025 that includes specific, measurable goals related to diversity and inclusion. These could range from increasing diversity in leadership roles to enhancing employee engagement scores. Ensure that these goals are communicated clearly across the organisation, with regular updates on progress.
- Invest in continuous learning and development: make learning about diversity and inclusion an ongoing process. Consider offering regular awareness training sessions, online courses, or guest speaker events that keep employees engaged with ED&I topics throughout the year.
- Build accountability mechanisms: integrate ED&I goals into performance management processes. Ensure that leaders and managers are accountable for fostering an inclusive culture and meeting the organisation’s diversity goals.
- Conduct audits: periodically assess your workplace culture to identify areas for improvement. Use surveys, focus groups, and feedback sessions to gauge employee sentiment about inclusion and to measure progress against the organisation’s goals. Ensure the findings are transparent and that action plans are developed to address any gareas for improvement.
Your commitment beyond NIW
Fostering an inclusive workplace is an ongoing journey, not a one-time event. National Inclusion Week is an excellent starting point, but the real impact comes from sustained effort and commitment throughout the year. By actively planning for 2025 and beyond, your organisation can ensure every employee feels seen, heard, and valued.
If you would like to find out how Thriiver can support you along your journey of inclusion, get in touch with us at insights@thriiver.co.uk
