How can organisations foster inclusion in a remote workplace?

As the landscape of work transforms, navigating the terrain of remote and hybrid models presents a unique challenge in cultivating company culture. While remote setups offer advantages like heightened productivity and flexibility, they also pose hurdles to fostering inclusivity and belonging.

In a recent McKinsey survey on diversity and inclusion, over 40 percent of respondents expressed feelings of exclusion. This number included entry-level employees, women, racial or ethnic minorities, and remote workers. Establishing an inclusive environment is not only essential for organisational health but also impacts productivity.

To address these challenges, innovative strategies are necessary:

?? Establishing a Remote DEI Committee: Forming a dedicated committee can help in strategizing the efforts that need to be made to achieve remote work inclusivity, culminating in an official diversity, equity and inclusion policy for the organisation.

?? Facilitating Non-Work Interaction Spaces: Conversations create a community. In remote work setups, limited interaction may hamper the development of company culture. Building avenues for casual conversations fosters a sense of community essential for remote setups. Whether it's virtual water cooler chats or themed discussion forums, these spaces nurture connections and a shared sense of purpose.

?? Intentional Equality in Opportunities: Leaders have to make efforts to be truly inclusive. Proactively fostering equality in opportunities is paramount. Leaders must ensure all team members, regardless of location or background, have access to growth opportunities and are encouraged to expand their skill sets.There's a good chance that no occurrence of overlooking anyone happening.

As remote work continues to shape the future of employment, adapting diversity and inclusion policies is imperative. Let's embrace the changing landscape and strive to create an environment where every remote employee feels valued and included.

??Want to know more about creating an inclusive workplace? Get in touch with Lakshmi Sreenivasan at [email protected] or visit our website https://theoutcastcollective.com/dei-consulting/.