How can you create a more inclusive workplace?

1 Understand your clients

The first step to creating a more inclusive workplace is to understand your clients and their expectations, preferences, and challenges. This means doing your research, asking questions, listening actively, and empathizing with their situations and goals. By understanding your clients, you can tailor your communication, service, and solutions to their specific needs and values, and avoid assumptions, stereotypes, or biases that might harm the relationship.

2 Respect diversity

The second step to creating a more inclusive workplace is to respect the diversity of your clients and their cultures, identities, and experiences. This means acknowledging and appreciating the differences and similarities among your clients, and being sensitive and respectful of their customs, norms, and preferences. For example, you might need to adjust your communication style, tone, or language depending on the client's culture, personality, or communication preferences. You might also need to be aware of and accommodate the client's accessibility, religious, or dietary requirements, or other special needs.

3 Communicate effectively

The third step to creating a more inclusive workplace is to communicate effectively with your clients and ensure that they feel heard, understood, and valued. This means using clear, concise, and respectful language, avoiding jargon, slang, or acronyms that might confuse or offend the client, and providing feedback, confirmation, and clarification when needed. It also means being open, honest, and transparent about your expectations, progress, and challenges, and inviting the client to share their feedback, concerns, and suggestions.

4 Collaborate inclusively

The fourth step to creating a more inclusive workplace is to collaborate inclusively with your clients and involve them in the decision-making and problem-solving process. This means seeking and respecting their input, opinions, and perspectives, and incorporating them into your strategy, design, or solution. It also means recognizing and leveraging their strengths, skills, and expertise, and acknowledging and celebrating their contributions and achievements.

5 Learn and grow

The fifth step to creating a more inclusive workplace is to learn and grow from your interactions with your clients and seek opportunities to improve your knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This means being open-minded, curious, and humble, and asking for and accepting feedback, guidance, and support from your clients and colleagues. It also means being aware of and addressing your own biases, blind spots, or gaps, and seeking out diverse sources of information, inspiration, and learning.