Sandi Wassmer
CEO, Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion
As organisations aim for competitive advantage, flipping the traditional DEI approach can unlock true engagement by fostering inclusive and psychologically safe work environments.
Organisations aim to attract and retain talented, engaged, and innovative teams to gain a competitive edge. To achieve this, workplaces of the future will be flipping DEI on its head. Leaders must understand that DEI is a subset of culture and cannot be handled simply as a matter of compliance for HR departments. It needs to be led from the top and cascade through everyday activities. After all, inclusion is for everyone.
Role of psychological safety
Psychologically safe working environments, with inclusive cultures at their hearts, are the key to sustainable DEI work. A psychologically safe environment allows employees to express views, take risks, share ideas, ask questions and learn from mistakes without fear of judgment. It fosters belonging and provides a foundation for everyone to thrive.
An inclusive culture values diversity in thinking, perspectives, backgrounds and identities, ensuring everyone feels included, respected and part of something greater. This leads to a happier and more productive workforce that will be best placed to consistently deliver great products and services.
Psychologically safe working environments, with inclusive cultures at their hearts, are the key to sustainable DEI work.
Leading by example
To achieve this, leaders must exemplify their organisation’s culture, values and behaviours and ensure that everyone they employ upholds these. Your culture is only as good as the worst behaviours you are willing to tolerate. Ensure your staff understand and embody your organizational values, making them part of daily actions rather than just words on paper.
The world of work is fast-paced and ever-changing. Many organisations are good at understanding how technological, environmental and legislative changes impact the practical aspects of work. However, few are truly aware of how these changes affect people on a human level. The people we employ all lead complex human lives, and for organisations to be successful, they must learn how to hold space for this complexity.
