Embracing diversity in all its forms, fostering real inclusion, ensuring true equality are essential to creating thriving workplaces and spurring true innovation, meaningful collaboration, that are crucial to long term success.. This means more than a statement, a policy, or one time training. It means a continuous commitment from the top of the organization to honest awareness, improvement and reevaluation. It is easy to measure diversity in the employee composition. It is straight forward to assess equality in available job roles and compensation. Inclusivity is a harder principle to get right, but without it, the other elements are much less meaningful. Consider these strategies to build an inclusive environment where every team member is able to operate at maximum capacity and contribution.
Understanding the Essence of Inclusion
Inclusion requires an environment where everyone is seen, heard, valued and know that they are. It involves acknowledging and appreciating the unique perspectives each member brings to the table and a culture of mutual respect, that goes well beyond acceptance. A crucial aspect of inclusion is breaking down barriers that impede participation, which reside on both sides of our interactions. Ensuring that the opportunities for growth and contribution are accessible to all and ensuring that everyone is fully aware of what is accessible. By doing so, we lay the groundwork for a thriving, inclusive workspace, and an organization that achieves and exceeds its goals.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Belonging is an aspect of inclusion where individuals not only find themselves in the room but are and feel like an integral part of the group within that room. It is a two-way street, requiring acceptance from the group and belief from the individual that they belong. Cultivating a sense of belonging must be intentional, such as using inclusive language and practices and creating spaces where every voice is encouraged, heard and valued. It is about building connections, encouraging empathy, and ensuring every team member feels their contributions are essential to their success.
Strategies for Continuous Improvement
Committing to inclusive excellence means being open to continuous learning and improvement. It involves regularly evaluating our practices, seeking and embracing candid feedback, and being willing to make necessary changes. Providing training on unconscious bias, encouraging mentorship programs, or implementing policies that promote work-life balance are all worthwhile tactics. The goal is to create a workspace that attracts diverse talent and actively supports their growth and success. It’s the best way to ensure our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality is not just a statement but a lived experience for every team member.
Leading by Example
Inclusion starts from the top. Leaders are crucial in setting the tone for an inclusive work environment. It involves being conscious of our biases, actively seeking diverse perspectives, and being transparent about our commitment to inclusion. It also means being accountable and taking responsibility when we fall short, viewing these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. Leaders, starting with the CEO, must be committed and actively participating, in order inspire a culture of inclusion throughout the organization, creating a workspace where diversity, inclusion, and equality are not just values we uphold but are embedded in our everyday interactions and decisions.
Our Example
At Access Capital, we work on this every day. It starts with our Mission, Vision & Values; they articulate who we are and what we expect from ourselves. We work internally, through our HR practices, our daily management, and operational interactions. Externally we take leading roles in our business community, actively participating and leading DEI initiatives in our trade associations, chairing and participating in mentoring programs, and supporting community organizations through donations and volunteering. And these aren’t only “delegated activities”. Access’s CEO is Vice Chair of the Secured Finance Network’s DEI Committee and is Chairing its 2024 Mentoring Program. Our Director of Marketing and Communications serves on the Secured Finance Network’s DEI Committee, and many of our team are active in a variety of industry and community initiatives. Our year-end holiday party supports local charities in the communities we operate in, and the Access Capital Foundation, which was established in 1997, supports many causes at a grassroots level.
Why do we do this? Because what is good for the community is good for business. By building stronger communities we strengthen the workforce and grow the economy. There are then more and better clients for us to serve, and a stronger more talented pool of professionals to employ. And this translates into a more profitable business.
Partner With Access Capital
At Access Capital, we understand the power of inclusive excellence in a diverse and equitable workplace. As a financial partner to entrepreneurs nationwide for over thirty years, our mission goes beyond providing working capital; we are committed to supporting the growth and success of our clients at every stage. Our personalized approach ensures that we understand the unique needs of your business, providing tailored solutions that empower you to achieve your goals. Embrace inclusive excellence within your organization, and let Access Capital be the partner that supports your journey to success. Together, we can create a future where diversity, inclusion, and equality are at the heart of every thriving business.
