Looking Beyond just Gender: How Unconscious Barriers Shape Workplace Inclusion

In conversations about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), the focus often gravitates toward gender representation. While gender diversity remains crucial, true inclusivity encompasses much more. Through this case study from 2019, we'll explore a powerful lesson about how seemingly minor infrastructural details can become major barriers to inclusion.

Setting the Stage

In 2019, Arthan was tasked with recruiting for a senior position at a leading Delhi-based organisation. The role was prestigious, the organisation's culture was exceptional, and the impact potential was significant. As the recruitment process progressed, four candidates emerged as finalists - three from Delhi and one from Ahmedabad.

Initial Commitment to Inclusion

The organization demonstrated its initial commitment to inclusive hiring through several thoughtful actions:

• All candidates were invited to interview in person at the CEEW office in Delhi
• Travel costs were fully reimbursed for all candidates
• For the Ahmedabad-based candidate, both travel and overnight accommodation were arranged and covered

The Unexpected Turn

The Ahmedabad-based candidate emerged as the strongest contender and was selected for the position. However, during the offer discussion, he declined to proceed. The reason, revealed later through Arthan's follow-up, was both profound and eye-opening.

The Hidden Barrier

What the organization had overlooked was a seemingly minor architectural detail that proved to be a significant barrier: six steps leading to the elevator. For their selected candidate, who was differently abled, these six steps became an insurmountable challenge. During his interview visit, he had required assistance from security guards and his cab driver just to reach the elevator that would take him to the 5th floor office.

The candidate, displaying remarkable professionalism, completed his interview without raising this concern. It was only after returning home and reflecting on his experience that he made the difficult decision to withdraw. His respect for the interview panel and the process was evident in his initial discretion about the real reason for his withdrawal.

The Learning Moment

This situation revealed a crucial blind spot in what the organization had considered to be an inclusive workspace. They had taken pride in having an elevator-equipped office, but hadn't considered the accessibility of the elevator itself. It's a powerful reminder that inclusion isn't just about having certain facilities – it's about ensuring complete accessibility from start to finish.

Real Change in Action

The most encouraging aspect of this story is what happened next. When Arthan shared this feedback with the organization, they took decisive action. Today, the organization has relocated to a truly accessible office space, demonstrating their commitment to learning and growing in their journey toward genuine inclusion.

Key Lessons in True Inclusion

This experience offers several valuable insights:

1. Inclusion requires attention to detail at every level
2. What might seem like a minor inconvenience to some can be a major barrier to others
3. True inclusivity means considering the entire experience, not just individual elements
4. Feedback, even when difficult to hear, is an opportunity for meaningful change

Moving Forward

This case serves as a powerful reminder that DEI isn't just about policies and quotas – it's about understanding and addressing the real, practical challenges that different individuals face. Sometimes, the smallest details can have the biggest impact on inclusion.

The organization's response to this feedback demonstrates how genuine commitment to inclusion means being willing to acknowledge oversights and take concrete action to address them. Their decision to relocate to a truly accessible space shows that real inclusion often requires fundamental changes, not just surface-level adjustments.

As organizations continue to evolve their DEI practices, this example shows that true inclusion requires:

• Regular audits of physical infrastructure from multiple perspectives
• Openness to feedback and willingness to learn
• Recognition that inclusion is about the entire experience, not just individual components
• Commitment to taking decisive action when barriers are identified

The journey to true inclusion is ongoing, and success lies not in getting everything right immediately, but in remaining open to learning and being willing to make meaningful changes when needed.

Take Action: Partner with Arthan for Comprehensive DEI Solutions

This story represents just one example of how unconscious barriers can impact workplace inclusion. To help organizations in the sustainability and impact space create truly inclusive environments, Arthan offers comprehensive DEI audit services.

Our audits go beyond surface-level assessments to examine:

• Physical infrastructure and accessibility
• Recruitment and hiring processes
• Workplace policies and practices
• Organizational culture and communication
• Employee experience across all demographics

Don't wait for a learning moment like this to identify potential barriers in your organization. Whether you're looking to enhance your current DEI practices or building them from the ground up, Arthan is here to support your journey toward true inclusion.

Ready to create a more inclusive workplace? Contact me via DM or [email protected]?to learn more about our DEI audit services and how we can help your organization thrive through genuine inclusion.

About Arthan

At Arthan, we believe that true organizational success comes through genuine inclusion. Our experience in the sustainability and impact sector gives us unique insights into the specific DEI challenges and opportunities these organizations face. Let's work together to create workplaces that work for everyone.