It’s not uncommon for people to be hired to increase diversity within the organisation only to find themselves in an extremely hostile environment. I’ve seen people brought in and celebrated for their diversity, only to feel (sometimes after a relatively short time) that they have to move on, or risk being dismissed for one of the potential skills they bring: an ability to recognise inequality and advocate for change.

So, how do you create a welcoming and supportive environment? One where individuals don’t feel isolated and unwelcome.

Review your policies

Look at your policies, including dress codes, to ensure they are inclusive. For example, make sure protective hairstyles for Black employees are accepted and respected. Policies should reflect the different family relationships in some minoritised communities, including extended families, or found families which are often associated with LGBTQ communities.

Make proactive changes

Implement changes before you hire so employees don’t perceive things as being adapted to suit the new person. For example, if you can, install gender-neutral restrooms or provide sanitary products in ALL bathrooms. Create a quiet, reflective space for all faiths and personal reflection. These actions among others demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and prevent new hires from being singled out.

When minorities point out discrimination, they often face denial and gaslighting or are accused of being aggressive… or worse, ‘not a team player.’ Constantly fighting these battles alone can be exhausting.

A colleague once told me: ‘Sometimes people like to say it’s about race, but it’s actually about performance.’

That can be true… but sometimes, performance issues happen because there’s an issue about race, prejudice, or intolerance of some form. Things like that should at least be considered a possibility. Would the situation be handled differently if everyone involved was white, male, heterosexual, cis-gendered, and so on? These are the kinds of questions we need to ask.

What can you do to prevent this from happening?

Invest in cultural competence and anti-racist training

Unconscious bias training is a start, but it shouldn’t be the end. Businesses need to invest in cultural competence and anti-racist training. Everyone should understand what discrimination looks like and how to combat it. The burden of pointing out discrimination shouldn’t fall solely on those affected by it.

LGBTQ+ Awareness

At St Oswald’s Hospice, we brought in experts to provide transgender awareness training. We learned about the experiences of transgender individuals and how to create a more inclusive environment. For the most part, it boils down to understanding the world from the perspective of someone who’s of that community. As a team, you should consider what their needs are, and the challenges they face.

Ensure your training includes LGBTQ+ issues, particularly transgender awareness. Gaining insight into the experiences and challenges faced by these communities is vital to fostering a truly supportive environment.

Create psychologically safe environments

Creating psychologically safe environments allows people to be themselves, raise concerns, and speak up without fear. It doesn’t mean difficult or challenging conversations can’t be held which is a common misconception—it means allowing people to be themselves and speak their mind in a respectful and constructive way. That said, psychological safety doesn’t mean freedom to speak without consequences—accountability for words and actions is still essential for a healthy workplace culture.

These are just a few of my tips to support you in becoming more inclusive. Remember, inclusivity isn’t just about looking good on paper. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone can bring their best selves without the burden of representation or having to worry about anything else.

Creating an inclusive workplace is an ongoing journey that requires dedication and commitment. By focusing on both recruitment and the environment new employees enter, you’ll create a truly supportive and welcoming workplace for everyone.