Breaking Down DEI: Why is an Inclusive Workplace Important?

For companies looking to implement DEI initiatives in the workplace, inclusion is often a forgotten area of emphasis. A survey conducted by McKinsey about inclusion in the workplace revealed that almost all respondents felt some barrier to feeling fully included at work- and LGBTQ employees, disabled workers, female employees and minority employees face additional challenges to feeling heard and respected at work.   

Inclusion in the workplace doesn’t just stop at equitable opportunities for all, although that is a brilliant start. A truly inclusive workplace should take those extra steps to ensure that every group of employees is well represented, and executives are transparent and fair.  

The Numbers Don’t Lie 

Employees are simply unable to do their best work unless their basic needs for emotional and physical safety are met first. That’s why it’s no surprise that according to a report by Deloitte, when companies foster a more inclusive work environment, 83 percent of Millennials are found to be actively engaged in their work. In the same McKinsey survey mentioned above, a shocking 84 percent of respondents claim to have experienced indirect or accidental discrimination at work, more commonly known as microaggressions. 

Inclusion isn’t only about treatment at work, it’s about treating prospective employees equally before the job begins. According to a study from Forbes, blind applications increase marginalized people’s chances of being hired. Women, for example, experience a 46 percent increase in their chances of getting hired when a blind application is used.  

Once in the job, some of the best ways for a company to prove their commitment to inclusion and DEI are to hire a diverse leadership team, make sure that each group of employees is heard, and provide career advancement opportunities to all employees. All DEI initiatives are very closely intertwined- you can’t have a diverse environment without inclusion, an inclusive environment without equity, or an equitable environment without diversity. They all rely on each other to make your workplace as healthy as possible.  

Creating an inclusive culture ensures that all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their identity. Inclusion also plays a big role in belonging. Do employees feel like they belong at work? Do they feel like their jobs are secure?  

What Can Kokomo24/7® Do About It? 

Statistics show that more employers than ever want to work in inclusive environments. According to a study conducted by The Washington Post, 89 percent of people want their companies to hire people with both physical and mental disabilities. One of the key components to a truly inclusive work environment is making sure that all employees feel supported and respected. The most common way that companies are learning and gathering the feelings and opinions of their employees is through surveys, forms and even tip lines. That’s where Kokomo24/7® can help.  

Kokomo24/7® understands that every workplace has its own set of unique needs. We can provide your workplace with a robust, yet easy-to-use technology platform that simplifies the complicated work of DEI implementation.  

Inclusion, and DEI in the workplace has never been more important, and Kokomo24/7® is here for you. Get the health and safety platform that your company needs to navigate the complex and ever-changing circumstances surrounding implementing custom equity strategies in your workplace.  

Ever since Kokomo24/7® was founded in 2018, we have been a leader in compliance and risk management solutions for all things health and safety. Kokomo proudly serves schools, communities, and workplaces. Our mission is to deliver highly effective, easy-to-use, and trusted compliance and risk management solutions that bridge the gap between public safety and technology.   

Whether you work for a small company, a fortune-500, or any institution in between, we want to hear from you. 

Get Help Implementing Your DEI Plan, Today!