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INCLUSION
How do you build an inclusive business?
If diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are something you don’t have time for or can’t afford to think about right now — we’d like to challenge you to think differently. There is no excuse to ignore this need, and countless reasons to make it a priority. Even if you belong to a marginalized group, there’s room to consider ways in which other communities are marginalized in a way your not. We’ve compiled big ideas and tactical advice to help any business be a part of a more inclusive future.
here's where you get started
The best advice for right now
Think of D+I as a business value, not an HR function.
- These 5 strategies will help foster a culture of inclusion across your business »
- Are your vendors, partners, and choices reflective of your inclusive values? »
- Infuse anti-racism into your small business with these tactics »
- These 5 equity-based strategies will get you started on making Black lives matter in your workplace »
Take action where you need it — internally and externally.
- These business practices can help you retain diverse talent »
- Tactical ways to show respect for names (yes, it's important) »
- Is your website accessible? These 5 strategies (with helpful diagrams) will make sure it's inclusive »
- Get inspiration on how to advance anti-racism with these 7 specific examples »
- A zero-fluff pocket guide to inclusive social media »
Get insight from voices beyond your own, or those that sound like you.
- Discover if you have a good understanding of cash flow
- Get tips to better manage your working capital
- Find out if you are effectively planning to avoid a cash crunch
thought-starters FROM OUR expert
Questions to ask yourself
Where do you believe diversity and inclusion works in an organization of your size?
How comfortable do you feel talking about D&I versus putting it into action?
What kind of resources do you think you can dedicate to D&I (resources include time, labour and capital)?
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more great ideas
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Avoid these common tactics that might seem helpful — but aren't.
You can be full of great intentions, but armed with the wrong tools, you could end up doing more harm than good. That’s not an excuse to avoid action, but you should consider avoiding these very common equity approaches.
- Unconscious bias training, especially if brief and involuntary, has been shown to have a slightly negative affect on inclusion »
- "Tough and honest conversations" that ask marginalized individuals to share their trauma can cause harm »
- External and internal communications should be inclusive — but they need to reflect who you are, not who you aspire to be (check out these red flags if you aren't sure) »
Pay special attention to the mental health needs of your team (and you).
In the best of times, mental health can be a daily challenge for many. And 2020 certainly hasn’t been “the best of times.” You don’t need to be an expert to help your team through the increased stress, anxiety and everything else.
- The 5 points of employee connection critical to leading through crisis »
- Here's how to maintain your company culture while working remotely »
- Take a deep dive into this resource page for small business owners to address psychological health and safety or employee mental health concerns »
- If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, this resource page can help »
inclusion 101
Learn the basics
WATCH
Learn how to be an effective ally
We brought together an esteemed panel of thought leaders including Karlyn Percil, Candies Kotchapaw, Dr. Pam Palmater, and Dr. Wendy Cukier to share insights on the current landscape and concrete calls to action on how to build a more inclusive future »
READ
Get up to speed quickly on hot topics
These explainers – which include research briefs, videos, and articles – will get you up to speed on the latest research and ideas in the world of gender equity »
Understanding ‘intersectionality’
It only made it’s way into mainstream a few years ago, but it was coined in 1989. This article covers the origin and modern meaning of the term ‘intersectionality’ »
So you want to be an intersectional feminist
This article is a few years old and largely focused on white women, but the candid lessons are very valid for right now and for anyone with privilege that wants to engage in activism »
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