5 practices for an inclusive workplace for your remote team
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Virtual DE&I strategies help companies create fair, equal and inclusive workplaces, even if their teams work in different countries. Here's how to follow this example:
Inclusive workplace practices for remote companies create a more welcoming, productive and equitable work environment.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts (known as DE&I) ensure that all team members feel equal despite different backgrounds, education, work locations, job titles, etc.
Remote companies need to set the tone for DE&I success with the right strategies. And if you're a new, remote startup, you'll want to determine your inclusive workplace practices before building your team from scratch.
Today’s guide is here to help you!
We're sharing our best practices for an inclusive workplace, tailored specifically for companies that can't meet their employees in person.
Let's start with the crucial preparatory work.
#1. Make inclusive practices the norm in the workplace
The first step to creating an inclusive remote workplace is to ensure that these values are clearly expressed within your company.
Similar to having a remote work policy, your company should create a policy about what it means to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
Write a short text explaining your company's views on DE&I and how your company plans to achieve them. This is a simple and effective way to show that everyone is welcome and accepted in your company.
Post this policy everywhere so potential and current employees (and customers!) can see it. Remember to post them on your website, job postings, etc.
But it is not enough to just say this. You must also act according to these values.
First, make sure there is diversity in your team - at every level. Your new hires should come from a balanced mix of applicants, and not all leadership positions should be filled by white men.
Since your company is located in a remote location, you can highlight your diverse workforce by creating a digital employee wall on the Team or About Us page of your website.
Ask all applicants to submit their best photo and when visitors land on this page, they will see within seconds that your company does not discriminate.
#2. Give everyone an opportunity to express their opinion
Another simple but effective tool for creating an inclusive workplace is to encourage your team members to voice their opinions, even if they disagree with something.
Those: voicesofyouth.org
Everyone should feel comfortable speaking up. So make it clear in your meetings and other communications that you value everyone's thoughts and viewpoints.
Give everyone a chance to have their say and make sure you and your team members are really listening and hearing what everyone has to say.
#3. Spread well-deserved recognition
Give your team members recognition and praise and they will know that you value the unique skills and abilities that each employee brings to the table.
Those: cultureamp.com
However, you must carefully ensure recognition here.
If you e.g. For example, if you only praise the team members who make the most sales and exclude those who are the backbone of your company, you will create a huge divide.
All of your employees are valuable in different but equally important ways.
Therefore, it's smart to alternate recognition and awards to ensure everyone feels valued and included, no matter how big or small their role.
This is fairly easy to do in a remote workplace, as all you need to do is send a simple call in Slack or via company email.
Keep a running list of everyone's latest accomplishments, and you'll have no trouble crafting and distributing your praises.
#4. Create space for non-work-related conversations
Slack is ideal for team members to communicate about their work when they are not on site. Or, you can set up Slack channels to promote your DE&I efforts.
For personal development, create a channel through which employees can learn more about each other and their backgrounds.
You could host cultural or other themed days in your Slack channels where team members can share more about their culture or other aspects of their lives - if they feel comfortable doing so. You could also set up channels to provide support.
Those: feedbacklabs.org
Depending on the size of your remote workplace, you can set up separate channels for employees:
- LGBTQ -Support
- Women in leadership positions
- Working parents
- Diversity in the workforce
These channels are a fantastic way for team members to really get to know each other - something that's difficult to do when working remotely. It also promotes personal relationships and reduces loneliness and isolation when working remotely.
Again, setting up these channels is just the first step. Keep them active and engaged to maximize their effectiveness.
#5. Get involved in various good causes
One of the best ways to create an inclusive workplace when working remotely is to get your entire team committed to things that matter to them. Bonus points if these causes also promote DE&I in the world.
To do this, hold a virtual meeting to create a list of projects your employees support. Then you can alternate supporting a different cause each month or quarter.
You can raise awareness of these issues with your team, start fundraisers, do pro bono work - whatever your team does best!
With your team working remotely, each of your employees will make a global impact with their individual efforts. And you will also as Team achieve a collective victory.
Try these inclusive workplace practices today
Those: ikk-classic.de
These five practices for an inclusive remote workplace will help you foster greater diversity, equity, and inclusivity on your team.
Some of these strategies are as simple as updating your website, others require more work but also provide maximum benefit.
No matter how big or small the gesture, it's important to take the time to work on your DE&I efforts sooner rather than later. Inclusive workplaces produce motivated and happy employees who value being there - and every company needs more team members like them.
