Surprising new insights show inclusion reaps benefits, while exclusion costs leaders and organizations
India, October 6, 2016 – Formal programs and policies aiming to cultivate inclusion must match up with the daily reality of employees, connecting the dots between what the organization says it is doing and what employees feel they are experiencing. Through its new research report, The Day-To-Day of Experiences of Workplace Inclusion and Exclusion (Day-to-Day), Catalyst discovered three critical lessons about employee experiences: (1) inclusion and exclusion happen at the same time for many employees; (2) inclusion is really difficult to grasp and define; and (3) exclusion is powerful and easy to recall.
Through its cross-regional study, Day-to-Day captures the voices of employees across 42 organizations in five countries – Canada, China, India, Mexico and the United States – to better understand their everyday interactions of workplace inclusion. The three critical lessons Catalyst discovered often creates a dilemma for many leaders because they must both create inclusive cultures, while rooting out exclusionary behaviors. The Day-to-Day report makes clear that leaders must be equipped with skills and resources to put the necessary systems in place to shift their work culture; it also offers actionable recommendations to help build inclusive work cultures.
“Leaders must understand that diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. It is about making small shifts every day in our behaviors to help employees feel more included at work – amplifying their experiences of inclusion,” said Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst. “This report is particularly suited for any leader who wants to protect the well-being of their employees and team, aiming to make inclusion visible, interrupt exclusionary behaviors, and manage the coexistence of inclusion and exclusion.”
In addition, the Day-to-Day report shares everyday solutions for leaders and organizations such as developing a shared definition of inclusion; visibly and explicitly rewarding inclusive behavior; paying attention to the human side of change, not just programs and policies; and monitoring progress and setbacks.
The Day-To-Day report is produced by the Catalyst Research Center for Corporate Practice. The Center, supported by The Coca-Cola Company, conducts research distinguishing sound talent management strategies from programmatic fads and documents best practices. This study is part of the Culture Matters global series, focusing on how organizations can build inclusive cultures.
To download or for more information about The Day-To-Day of Experiences of Workplace Inclusion and Exclusion report, visit catalyst.org.
About Catalyst
Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 800 supporting organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work.