Where to start with Diversity and Inclusion?
I know that it can be hard to get started with diversity and inclusion work. When I speak with clients, they often feel nervous and/or overwhelmed about where to start with this work, or how to make it meaningful. I assure them that it is a process, and it requires ongoing engagement and commitment to bettering the organisation, to improving it.
As for where to start, this will depend on each organisation. But for me, the question needs to be asked: what are you trying to achieve? What is the motivation or driver behind wanting to engage with this work?
Is it because you need to comply with workplace law? Is it because you have underrepresented groups? Is it because you believe it’s the right thing to do? Is it because you think it's critical to your business? Is it all of these things?
Either way, be honest. What is the driver? Because what the driver is will help determine where you start and what kind of investment is needed.
From a compliance perspective, recent legislative changes have enhanced Australian workplaces' obligations not to discriminate against employees and to ‘take all reasonable steps’ to prevent discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and bullying. As a result of the Respect at Work Amendment, all Australian workplaces now have a positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment. But discrimination law isn’t the only change. Australian WorkSafe legislation has recently changed to include responsibilities for employers to address and minimise psychosocial hazards and risks, which may include bullying, harassment, or discrimination. It also includes a lack of job clarity, high-stress workloads, and limited agency over how employees conduct their work.
There are many resources available to guide you on your Diversity and Inclusion journey, with one of my favourites being Ted Talks - they are real talks, from real people with real experiences. Recently, Anne Morriss shared her view on ‘Fixing Problems Quickly’ in her episode of 5 steps to fix any problem at work, which reinvents the playbook for how to lead through change. If you’re finding that you need further assistance and access to resources to ensure you’re compliant with recent laws and changes, I’ve developed a toolkit designed with Australian workplaces in mind to aid the ‘where do I start’ question. By providing a comprehensive overview of Diversity and Inclusion practice for your business, and some examples, tips and case studies to explore. Depending on where you are with this journey, this toolkit provides examples and templates that can be adapted for your organisational need.
The toolkit includes the following:
The business case for Diversity and Inclusion
Overview of relevant legislation
Guidance on inclusive language, taking a prevention-based approach, managing staff wellbeing and difficult conversations.
Outlines a communication strategy and provides a template plan.
Three template policies (Diversity and Inclusion, Workplace Behaviours and Grievance and Disciplinary Policies)
Provide guidance on training and evaluate your work's impact with example questions.
Case studies include making the workplace accessible, becoming a race ally, ensuring the workplace is LGBTIQ inclusive and a gender equality campaign.
It’s available for purchase on my website, or if you’d like to speak with me about your workplace and how you can improve the culture and wellbeing of your employees, then please schedule a 30-minute call with me.
