Inclusion Tips for HR Professionals
This resource forms a part of Illuminate Opportunity: Equity in the Workplace, a set of HR tools developed for Alberta electricity and renewables employers
Be intentionally inclusive and a champion for an inclusive organization
Challenge each other’s thinking
- Listen attentively and probe to uncover assumptions that might be affecting decisions.
- Use constructive dialogue to continuously refine your and others’ thinking.
- Question assumptions and challenge snap decisions.
- Encourage a practice of seeking good evidence for judgments we make about people and situations.
- Be open about your own unintended biases. Reflect on your experiences and keep a journal of examples to share when helpful.
Be an active advocate
- Sharpen your skills at giving feedback that is specific, honest, and objective.
- Openly address concerns associated with developing inclusive practices.
- Understand common myths and misconceptions and be prepared with responses. For example, clarify that inclusion supports – rather than undermines – merit in hiring and promotion decisions.
- In the early days of your focus on DEI, coach managers of select units where there might be more openness to non-traditional talent.
- Watch for unintended barriers throughout your organization.
- Set clear expectations for inclusive behaviour.
- Use training, communications, and workplace discussions to build awareness.
- Hold people accountable.
Be clear on the benefits of being bias-aware
- Become well-versed in your organization ‘business case’ for DEI.
- Make the unconscious conscious: if assumptions arise, reflect, and encourage others’ reflection, on three key questions:
- Is my assumption fair?
- What evidence do I have?
- How can I maintain an open mind?
Use every opportunity to demonstrate inclusion
- Model inclusive behaviours in meetings and casual interactions in the workplace.
- Raise questions and challenge assumptions that reveal unconscious biases in a direct and kind way.
- Get comfortable with the language and use it consistently in interactions in the workplace. Be sure you can speak in practical terms about:
- Unconscious bias
- Systemic barriers
- Equitable and inclusive practices