How to Create and Sustain an Inclusive Company Culture

Your business thrives on an environment that allows everyone’s creativity and contribution to shine. People with disabilities bring a unique and valuable perspective, and that’s cause for celebration. To create a culture of respect and inclusion, and help your business be the best it can be, your practices and policies need to support and reflect that goal.

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), here is our guide to fostering inclusivity within your company and why it benefits your employees, work culture as a whole, and business performance.

Building and maintaining acceptance

Diversity is counting the people; inclusivity is making sure the people count. This is a very common phrase to describe the distinction between inclusivity and diversity. Simply aiming to hire a diverse group of employees is not the same as providing equal platform, tools, and opportunity to the entirety of that group. Leaders should:

• make themselves aware of the difference between these two ideas
• be conscious of their motivations when implementing policy
• self-assess often to ensure they’re aware of any subconscious biases and misconceptions

Here are a few ways to get started building a healthy culture of inclusion:

Educate employees

Oftentimes, exclusionary or harmful actions originate from a place of misunderstanding. Start by educating your employees on different types of disabilities including physical impairments, neurodiversity, and even temporary or situational disabilities. This helps to promote empathy and create an environment where employees are able to understand and support one another.

Establish resource groups

Provide volunteer opportunities for employees within the company to lead and host groups. Resource groups aimed at giving specific demographics within your company a place to connect and share ideas helps ensure the needs of a diverse employee and customer base are met.

Mastercard has 9 employee-led business resource groups (BRGs) globally with 159 chapters. These groups are made up of individuals with shared experiences and characteristics, including individuals with disabilities and their allies. About 45% of the company’s employees are a part of these voluntary groups.

Create channels to receive feedback

Without mechanisms for feedback, creating a culture that is supportive and inclusive is a difficult task. You should always encourage an open dialogue with leadership, but also open the door to these conversations yourself. Regularly conduct anonymous surveys where employees can submit thoughts and suggestions on company practices.

Invest in accessibility

If your company requires on-site work, aim to establish an accessible environment for all employees. Meeting compliance standards is only the start, and you should aim to go above and beyond to ensure those with disabilities are not held back. Additionally, be thoughtful when organizing any company events and activities to make sure no one is left out.

Welcome diversity

To create a culture that brings together a wide group of people, it’ll take creating opportunities for people who don’t fit within every box. That could mean making specific programs that target and uplift people with various disabilities or lived experiences. Long committed to disability inclusion, UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG) Engagement, Inclusion and Diversity Center of Excellence launched the Disability Inclusion Internship Program in 2020. Walgreens has the Retail Employees with Disabilities Program (REDI), which partners with local agencies to provide on-site training and retail experience to those with disabilities.

Culture Begins With Leadership

To foster an inclusive culture, companies requires empathetic and conscientious leaders willing to set the example for their team. Leadership sets the tone for the company culture and, when they prioritize inclusivity, it permeates throughout the entire organization.

By implementing inclusive practices in your business from the top down and making efforts to provide equal platforms to everyone in your charge, you can reap the benefits of unparalleled creativity and collaboration.

Northwest is fully committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees, and that extends to our clients as well. We’re ready to support you and your business at whatever phase you find yourself. If you’re ready to get your business off the ground, Northwest can help you form your company and maintain it long into the future. Reach out to us today!