Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces
Fostering a workplace culture that truly embraces inclusion and fosters a sense of belonging for all individuals is a challenge, and one that we know is key to achieving the NHS Long Term Plan.
Recognising this crucial need, our Leadership Live podcast recently hosted Jaspreet Kaur, a poet, educator, and passionate advocate for inclusion and social justice. Her insightful reflections, drawn from her experiences as a woman of colour, provide valuable guidance for NHS leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of fostering a culture of inclusion within their organisations.
Here we delve into Jaspreet’s profound insights, extracting actionable principles that leaders can adopt to transform their workplaces into havens of belonging. Her words serve as a powerful catalyst for positive change, igniting a movement towards a healthcare system where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the shared mission of providing exceptional care.
Inclusion is not merely a buzzword; it’s an indispensable element that underpins the success of any organisation, especially in the healthcare sector. A genuinely inclusive workplace empowers individuals to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the table, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that drives excellence. True inclusivity goes beyond policies and checklists. It is about fostering a culture where individuals are embraced for their unique perspectives and contributions. To achieve this, leaders need to take a proactive approach, embracing self-education and accountability to foster a deeper understanding of each other.
- Dismantling barriers
Dismantling institutional barriers that perpetuate tokenism and hyper-surveillance is a critical task for all leaders as we move towards creating a more inclusive environment.
To dismantle these barriers, leaders need to foster an environment of open communication and trust, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives without fear of judgment or reprisal. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and challenging biases, leaders can dismantle the structures that perpetuate these behaviours, fostering a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. But this goes beyond creating a space for the loudest voice; it is instead about creating spaces where individuals where even the quietest voice can be heard.
- Allyship
Allyship has emerged as a powerful catalyst for this transformation. It’s the act of actively supporting and advocating for marginalised groups, recognising that their experiences and perspectives are integral to creating a truly inclusive environment.
To cultivate a culture of allyship, NHS leaders must embark on a journey of empowerment. Education plays a pivotal role in dismantling barriers to inclusion. Raising awareness of microaggressions, subtle yet harmful acts of discrimination that often go unnoticed, is crucial. By equipping themselves and their teams with the knowledge and tools to recognise and address microaggressions, NHS leaders can empower others to create a more equitable and inclusive environment.
The ALLY framework emerged as a guiding light, embodying the essence of allyship. Leaders should embrace ‘Action,’ taking steps to support and advocate for marginalised groups. This includes speaking up against discrimination, challenging stereotypes, and actively promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within their organisations.
They should also embrace ‘Learning,’ continuously educating themselves about unconscious bias, diversity, and inclusion. Attending workshops, reading relevant literature, and engaging in open discussions with colleagues from diverse backgrounds are important steps in this process. Recognising that allyship is an ongoing journey of learning and growth is key.
With active ‘Listening,’ leaders can demonstrate that they are not just observing, but actively participating in creating an inclusive workplace. Listening with intent to the perspectives and experiences of others, and acknowledging experiences without judgment or interruption, whilst demonstrating genuine empathy and understanding is crucial.
Finally, leaders should embrace ‘Yielding,’ stepping aside and giving space and power to marginalised voices. They should give them the authority to lead initiatives, share their expertise, and represent their communities within the organisation. Recognising that the power to drive change lies not just with themselves, but with the diverse voices that enrich their organizations, will foster a truly inclusive environment.
By embracing the ALLY framework, leaders can begin to transform their workplaces into spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. This, in turn, will elevate the quality of care provided to patients.
- Language
Finally, the immense potential of language and creative expression to navigate challenges and drive positive change can be a powerful tool to utilise.
The power of creative expression, whether through poetry or creative writing can provide a platform to embrace the individual voice. Through employing appropriate and inclusive language, practicing emotionally intelligent communication, and acting as a role model are crucial for creating a culture of belonging and fostering open dialogue. By harnessing the power of words and embracing creative expression, we can foster empathy, cultivate understanding, and collectively shape a just and equitable world.
These inspirational insights and practical guidance provide valuable tools for leaders in their journey to create a truly inclusive and equitable workplace. We are reminded that language, communication, and allyship are powerful forces in shaping a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. As we strive to provide exceptional healthcare to all, fostering inclusion is not just an option; it is a moral imperative.
In a recent episode of our Leadership Live podcast, Michelle Howard, a Leadership and Management Specialist and Host of Leadership Live, spoke to Jaspreet Kaur, an award-winning writer, educator and poet to explore more about the power of cultivating an inclusive and equitable workplace within the NHS.