What do you do if your team lacks diversity and inclusivity?

1 Assess Gaps

Begin by conducting an honest assessment of your team's current state. Look at the composition of your team in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, abilities, and other dimensions of diversity. Understand how inclusive your workplace culture is by gathering feedback from team members, observing interactions, and reviewing policies and practices. This evaluation will help you identify specific areas where your team falls short in diversity and inclusivity, forming the basis for a targeted improvement plan.

2 Set Goals

Once you've identified the gaps, set clear and achievable goals for enhancing diversity and inclusivity. These objectives should be specific, measurable, and time-bound, such as increasing representation of underrepresented groups in leadership positions or improving scores on employee satisfaction surveys regarding inclusivity. Share these goals with your team and ensure everyone understands their role in achieving them. This creates a shared vision for a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

5 Foster Inclusion

Actively work to foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels they belong and can thrive. This includes creating opportunities for all voices to be heard, such as through regular team meetings or feedback sessions. Encourage collaboration and cross-cultural interactions that allow employees to learn from one another. Celebrate diverse holidays and events, and recognize the unique contributions of each team member.

6 Monitor Progress

Finally, it's crucial to monitor your progress towards greater diversity and inclusivity. Regularly review the goals you've set and evaluate whether your actions are having the intended impact. Adjust your strategies as needed based on feedback and results. Remember that building a diverse and inclusive team is an ongoing process that requires commitment and adaptability. By monitoring progress, you ensure continuous improvement and lasting change.