Each year, National Inclusion Week takes place to raise awareness of inclusion at work. Throughout the week, many businesses and organisations organise a host of activities to stimulate rich conversations about inclusion in the workplace. Inclusive companies are 1.7 times more innovative, they notice 2.3 times more cash flow per employee and they are 120% more likely to hit financial goals. To help you get involved in the celebrations, we are writing this article to share what national inclusion week is and how you should celebrate.
What is National Inclusion Week?
National Inclusion Week is a celebration of inclusion in all its forms. It brings together organisations globally to celebrate, share and inspire inclusion best practices. In its 9th year, National Inclusion Week 2021 will take place from 27 September to 3 October 2021. This year’s theme is unity and the official hashtag is #UnitedForInclusion. This global event is expected to bring together more that 16 million participants, following on last year’s success.
Ultimately, these celebrations are a way to bring change and action for good within organisations. National Inclusion Week will unite people to share learning, best practice, success stories and challenges, to foster more inclusion at work and in our society.
The many social challenges of 2020 related to the pandemic, the call for action on anti-racism and the move to hybrid-work have had a significant impact on how included or excluded people feel in the workplace and in society at large. The #UnitedForInclusion theme aims to create a positive platform to work together so that everyone can be most effective in responding to these challenges. National Inclusion Week 2021 will generate open conversations, some challenging but necessary discussions, and drive change and action.
How to celebrate National Inclusion Week 2021 in the Workplace?
1) Assess your and your team’s inclusion
Well-designed assessments, tests and benchmarks can encourage more active learning, in particular when the assessment delivery is engaging. Self-assessment fosterS a number of skills including reflection, self-awareness and critical thinking, giving individuals insight into their learning journey. Discover which of the four inclusive leaders you are and benchmark your inclusive skills with this inclusion assessment: https://www.perrinefarque.com/leadership-quiz.
2) Volunteer for a charity
By volunteering for an inclusive non-profit or charity, such as the disability charity Scope, you lead by example. Volunteering is a unique way to give back and to educate yourself at the same time. Consider offering paid volunteering days to all your employees to celebrate National Inclusion Week.
3) Hire an inclusion expert
Hiring an expert on inclusion at your event or workshop, who has deep knowledge and ability to educate about this topic, will transform your workplace into a highly inclusive and engaged work environment. Contact us now to book Perrine Farque, award-winning author and keynote speaker, nominated in the top 50 most influential women in UK tech.
4) Create an inclusive calendar of events
A great way to include different cultural celebrations in your workplace is to create an inclusive calendar. This inclusive calendar will allow your people to identify any upcoming celebration that you should acknowledge, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging.
5) Establish safe spaces
With so many different identities, religions and cultures, organisations can struggle to make everyone feel included. Safe spaces or Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) allow people with a common interest or background to come together and discuss common challenges and issues.
To book Perrine Farque to speak at your event, or to hire her to discuss your upcoming National Inclusion Week plans, simply contact us today by filling in our online contact form.