All too often, traditional DEI programming and policy have focused on how not to behave. This focus on the negative can make people so worried about s

The Power of Small Acts of Inclusion

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2024-12-24 16:30:07

All too often, traditional DEI programming and policy have focused on how not to behave. This focus on the negative can make people so worried about saying or doing the wrong thing that they disengage or get mad and push back. In this article, the authors argue that a better approach is to focus on micro-inclusions — small but intentional acts that include everyone in the actual process of producing work together. They summarize some of their recent research on the effects of micro-inclusions and then offer some guidance on how to foster a culture of micro-inclusion in the workplace.

It matters when employees have a strong sense of belonging, or feel like they fit at a company: They’re more engaged, innovative, and productive. To foster that kind of deep inclusion, companies often try to create a warm and welcoming culture, perhaps by supporting employee resource groups or sponsoring company events such as happy hours and team offsites. But it’s not the happy hour that inspires you at work — not really, not deeply, not in the best circumstances. What really matters is whether employees actually feel like they’re contributing to the work at hand.