Culturally diverse workplaces are becoming more common than ever. And while that might mean that job seekers who value inclusive environments have an easier time finding one, it also means that businesses must take active measures to prevent their organization from becoming too monolithic. If your business currently has a limited cross-section of employees, coworkers, and customers because of your location or industry, now is the time to take action before you find yourself with a homogeneous team. Diversity in business benefits everyone by making teams more creative and productive. Inclusive work environments also drive employee retention, loyalty, and trust.
The 2022 Pledge Badges feature a Silver, Gold, or Platinum badge that can be used to broadcast your commitment on websites, social media platforms, and in client presentations. The Pledged Badge can be obtained through the Starter Pack. Only organisations may claim the Pledged Badge after completing the self-assessment. 90 Day Action Plans are available for Starter Pack, Professional Pack, and Professional Plus Pack holders. A 90-day Action Plan is used to role-model inclusive behaviours for organisations of all sizes to improve team communication, reduce blind spots, and encourage innovation.
A self-assessment tool by https://www.inclusivebusinesspledge.asia/ is available for Signatories to improve their badge by identifying the organisation’s weaknesses in its inclusion journey. Employees and leaders can anonymously survey to accomplish this. The Pledge for Inclusion is a legally binding agreement between signatories and stakeholders to deliver truly inclusive business and workplaces. All parties involved commit to specific actions that promote greater diversity and inclusion in the business environment. They also agree to publish their progress over time, holding themselves accountable to the public. The Pledge for Inclusion is not just a piece of paper and a few signatures that get forgotten about in a few months’ time. Instead, the Pledge is a powerful and durable framework for change that can last for many years to come.
If any of the parties involved in the Pledge for Inclusion break their obligations, then the other parties are informed immediately. They are given a chance to address the issue, but if they fail to do so, then the other parties are free to take action. This could include the use of litigation, public shaming, or reduced or severed business relationships. The idea is that the Pledge creates a powerful framework for change that can drive results over the long term. It is meant to bring together key partners to accelerate the pace of change and also to ensure it is sustainable.
Inclusive business has made great strides in the last few years. All types of businesses have begun to understand that if they want to succeed, they need to create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued. The principles of inclusive business are now common knowledge. But it’s the actions that speak louder than words. The Pledge for Inclusion is meant to be a way for businesses and employees to gain common ground for the well being of the industries and companies.
