Ask just about any employer whether they value diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and the answer you'll get will likely be an emphatic "Yes! Of course we do."
Unfortunately, talk is cheap, and actions speak much louder than words. Just because a company has a diversity statement on its website or social media pages doesn't mean they're necessarily walking the walk in addition to talking the talk.
But it's important. The vast majority of workers - about 80% - say they would prefer to work at a company that values diversity and inclusion.
So how can you really tell if a company is truly inclusive, or just telling you what you want to hear?
It doesn't matter whether you're a job seeker, a potential investor, or a fellow employer. There are a few telltale signs to look at if you're curious about how important inclusivity actually is in a workplace. Let's take a closer look.
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusivity in the Workplace
Diversity and inclusivity in the workplace is not just a "nice-to-have" - it's an absolute must.
Unfortunately, this is something that's not always tangible at face value. You can easily find out how much an employer pays its employees by looking up salaries on sites like Glassdoor, but there's no such database when it comes to inclusive hiring practices.
But it's more than the bottom line. Creating an inclusive culture is also crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, particularly among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Zers, for instance, place a high value on diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and are far more likely to seek out companies that prioritize these values.
Research has also shown that diverse teams are more productive, more engaged, and generally happier at work. And when employees feel valued, respected, and heard, they're more likely to bring their best selves to work each day.
Of course, creating a truly inclusive workplace is no easy feat. It requires intentional effort on the part of leadership, as well as a willingness to confront some uncomfortable truths about the ways in which current systems and structures may be perpetuating inequality. But the payoff is well worth it.
12 Ways to See if a Company Is Actually Inclusive
Now that you know the benefits of inclusivity, how can you make sure an organization is actually practicing what it preaches? Here are a few key indicators to look for.
1. Look at Company Values and DE&I Initiatives
Step one - see what the company's stated values are. Admittedly, this won't tell you much about what's actually going on behind the scenes, but it will let you know that the company is at least paying attention to these issues.
Ask the recruiter or hiring manager specific questions that will help you understand where the company stands, such as, "can you tell me in more detail about the company's values regarding diversity? Can you give me examples of how these values are reflected in your day-to-day operations?"
You might also want to inquire about specific committees, task forces, or other teams that have been formed to promote DE&I efforts across the organization.
2. Look at the Employment and Leadership Breakdown
Ask how a company ensures diverse representation from entry-level positions all the way to top leadership roles. What measures are in place to promote equal opportunities for all employees?
Be sure to look for specific examples of how diversity might be reflected within the team you'd be working with, too.
Take the time to understand how the company holds leaders and managers accountable for fostering an inclusive work environment. You want to work for a company that is passionate about inclusivity and doesn't just pay lip service to these important issues.
3. Consider the Support Systems
Check if the company has employee resource groups or affinity networks. These are groups formed around a shared identity or interest, such as gender, race, sexual orientation, or even hobbies like biking or book clubs. If the company doesn't have any of these groups, it could be a sign (though not always, of course) that they're not putting in the effort to support diverse perspectives in the workplace.
Also, consider how these groups are integrated into the broader company culture. Are they given a platform to share their ideas and concerns? Are their events and initiatives promoted and celebrated by the company? Are leaders actively involved in championing these groups?
If the answer to these questions is a resounding "yes," then you're looking at a company that truly prioritizes diversity and inclusion. But keep in mind that support systems are just one piece of the puzzle.
4. What Kind of Training and Professional Development Opportunities Are Available?
Next, find out what kind of training and professional development opportunities are available.
A company that is serious about inclusivity should be investing in training programs and resources that will help employees better understand and work with people from all different backgrounds.
5. Feedback Policies
Is regular feedback encouraged and acted upon? Does the company take proactive steps to address any concerns that are raised? If not, it might be a sign that they're not as inclusive as they claim to be.
6. Recruitment Practices
Does a company actively seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds? Is there a commitment to promoting diversity both within their organization and the wider community?
Look for concrete actions that demonstrate a real commitment to building an inclusive workplace - not just a one-off line in a job description.
7. Employee Retention
An inclusive workplace has strategies in place to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce feel valued and supported. This often translates to higher retention rates, as employees are more likely to stick around when they feel included and appreciated.
8. Policies for Goal Setting and Setting Performance Metrics
Does the company set measurable goals for diversity and inclusion? If so, how does it track and report on progress? A company that takes this seriously will have well-defined goals in place to ensure continued progress.
9. Is the Company Involved in the Community?
Another important factor to consider is a company's involvement outside of their business. Does the company have programs or initiatives that support underrepresented groups in the community?
Those that actively work to promote diversity and inclusion beyond its walls are more likely to be genuinely committed to these values.
10. Benefits and Compensation Packages
Of course, an inclusive workplace also recognizes the importance of fair compensation and benefits.
Does the company have policies in place to guarantee equity in compensation and benefits across all employees, regardless of background or identity? Are there resources available to support both the physical and mental health of all employees?
This is a key indicator of a truly inclusive workplace.
11. Is Flexibility Embraced?
An inclusive workplace recognizes that employees have diverse needs and priorities both in and outside of work, and offers flexibility to accommodate those needs.
This might include flexible work hours, remote work options, or other accommodations that allow employees to balance their work and personal lives more effectively.
12. Can You Witness a Day in the Life?
Whenever possible, see if you can spend a day or even a few hours job shadowing at the company. You read that right - job shadowing isn't just for high school students trying to find the right career. It's also a great way to see if your values mesh with a company's values in real-time.
This kind of experience will give you a firsthand look at what the company culture is like, how employees interact with one another, and whether or not the company truly lives up to its inclusive ideals. You might even get a chance to speak with employees about their experiences and get a better idea of what it's really like to work there.
Final Thoughts
Diversity and inclusion allow companies to tap into a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas. And when you have a diverse group of people coming together to solve problems, you're far more likely to come up with innovative solutions.
Why settle for a company that's only paying lip service to diversity and equality? With a bit of investigative work, you can find a workplace that truly values and celebrates all the little (or not so little) differences that make us unique.
