How to Create An Inclusive and Equitable Workplace for All
CHRO Daily
How to Create An Inclusive and Equitable Workplace for All
Delving into the best strategies for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, this article unpacks key insights from industry experts. It navigates through actionable strategies and inclusive practices that are reshaping company cultures. Learn how to apply expert-backed approaches, from the 6 Ps Model to skills-first initiatives, to build a more diverse and welcoming environment.
- Embed DEI into Company Culture
- Implement Action-Oriented Equity Strategies
- Build Trust Through Consistent Inclusive Practices
- Design Equity with the 6 Ps Model
- Transform Roofing Industry with Skills-First Approach
Embed DEI into Company Culture
We really need to see the bigger picture here--creating an inclusive and equitable workplace isn't about implementing a few policies; it's about embedding diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and safety into the core of the company culture.
To make this a reality, we took a multi-step approach:
1. Bias-Free Hiring and Promotions: We introduced structured interviews, anonymized resume reviews, and mandatory bias training for hiring managers to reduce unconscious bias.
2. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): We launched ERGs for underrepresented communities, providing a safe space for employees to share experiences and influence company policies.
3. POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Compliance and Awareness: We implemented a robust POSH policy with regular training, an anonymous reporting system, and a well-trained Internal Committee (IC) to handle complaints swiftly and fairly.
4. Equal Pay Audits and Promotion Transparency: Regular audits helped identify gaps in pay equity and promotion rates, allowing us to address disparities and improve fairness.
Challenges and How We Overcame Them:
Challenge: Initial resistance from leadership who viewed DEI and POSH as compliance initiatives rather than business priorities.
Solution: We presented data that showed how diverse, safe, and inclusive teams improve innovation and decision-making, aligning these initiatives with business outcomes.
Challenge: Sustaining momentum and ensuring that DEI and POSH efforts remain impactful over time.
Solution: We established accountability metrics that tied leadership performance reviews to diversity goals and POSH compliance, ensuring long-term commitment.
The outcome? A more engaged workforce, reduced turnover, and higher employee satisfaction. When employees feel valued, protected, and empowered, they contribute more meaningfully to the company's success.
Implement Action-Oriented Equity Strategies
Here's the no-nonsense blueprint we used--eliminating fluff and focusing on what works:
What We Did:
1. Eliminated Vanity Metrics
- Replaced "diverse hiring" statistics with retention and promotion equity tracking.
- Implemented blind hiring and slates: Partnered with HBCUs, required diverse candidate lists for leadership roles.
2. Prioritized Systems Over Sermons
- Abandoned one-off bias training. Overhauled promotions with transparent rubrics.
- Conducted pay equity audits: Rectified gaps immediately, even when costly.
3. Established ERGs That Matter
- Empowered ERGs to influence policy (e.g., removed "culture fit" language after feedback).
- Implemented flexibility as default: Remote work remains after neurodivergent employees deemed it non-negotiable.
4. Ensured Skin in the Game
- Tied 30% of leadership bonuses to DEI outcomes.
- Emphasized sponsorship over mentorship: High-potential talent receives advocacy, not just advice.
Hard Truths:
- Fix Fast, Apologize Faster: Addressed criticism on flawed restroom signage. Corrected it within a week.
- Middle Managers Rule: Trained them to lead inclusively or replaced them.
- Data Equals Accountability: Published unfavorable statistics. Critics voiced concerns. Then we outperformed competitors in talent acquisition.
Results:
- 30% increase in diverse leadership in 2 years.
- Retention of marginalized talent improved by 40%.
- Industry awards are nice. Employees staying is priceless.
Final Word:
Equity isn't about perfection. It's about caring enough to take action--even when it's messy.
Build Trust Through Consistent Inclusive Practices
Equity and inclusion are not just values on a slide--they are daily decisions. We've taken deliberate action to embed these principles into the fabric of our people practices: how we hire, how we grow talent, how we recognize contributions, and how we ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
Some of the most impactful steps we've taken include implementing structured hiring rubrics to reduce bias, conducting equity reviews during performance and compensation cycles, and introducing mentorship programs that create access to leadership pathways. We've also invested in manager training that prioritizes inclusive leadership and created spaces--both formal and informal--for honest feedback and dialogue.
The challenge, as with any meaningful change, is that progress doesn't always come with immediate results. There have been moments when it felt like we were pushing uphill--but we stayed committed. We measured what mattered, adjusted where needed, and made sure this work was not siloed in HR, but embraced across the business.
What I've learned is this: Inclusion is an outcome of trust. And trust is built through consistency, communication, and the willingness to listen--even when it's hard.
Design Equity with the 6 Ps Model
I created a model called the 6 Ps of Equity Priorities, helping human resource leaders and employers audit and intentionally reflect on the areas that can foster the greatest impact for all employees: personnel, programs, policy, perspectives at the table, practices, and how progress is measured. Equity is by design, and creating an equitable workplace starts with setting a clear, measurable intention. Culture work helps nurture sustainable progress. Training is important, but it's only successful if the team culture supports leaders in putting the training into practice.
Transform Roofing Industry with Skills-First Approach
We implemented a "skills-first" recruitment model that evaluates candidates through hands-on roofing demonstrations rather than traditional interviews, significantly diversifying our workforce. Our biggest challenge was overcoming the industry's reputation for limited advancement opportunities, which we addressed by creating transparent skill-based career pathways with standardized evaluation criteria. When we encountered resistance from some veteran team members, we paired them with diverse new hires on specialized projects, allowing skills to speak louder than preconceptions. This approach transformed skeptics into advocates when they experienced firsthand how different perspectives improved problem-solving. The quantifiable results--a 28% increase in workforce diversity and improved solution innovation--have convinced even the most traditional team members that inclusion drives business results, not just social responsibility.
