What does it mean to be in a diverse culture in the workplace? Is it only based on the fact that people come from different places and countries? Not exactly. Although bringing people from different cultural backgrounds does contribute to diversity in the workplace, the real key ingredient is inclusion. It's the only way to bring together people from different cultures, religions, genders, and sexual orientations and create a truly diverse work culture.

But what is inclusion?

By the definition, it's the aim to embrace all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical or other needs. It is about giving equal access and opportunities and getting rid of discrimination and intolerance. A removal of barriers.

Nowadays, many organizations have figured out the diversity aspect, thinking more about the global and cultural aspects, but not inclusion. But finally, we are hearing about inclusion and its extreme importance in the workplace.

And the first steps to achieving inclusion are:

  1. First, educating staff and its leaders since they are the frontline and act as the bridge between employees and the management.
  2. Second and very important, listening and communicating effectively.
  3. Third, and the conclusion of the two above: embracing employees to be their full authentic selves!

Another important thing to building an inclusion-based culture, it’s essential to start at the very beginning. So establishing the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace during the onboarding of a new employee.

An inclusive company culture separates itself from any possible unconscious bias in the work environment. Employees feel included irrespective of who they are or what they identify themselves as.

It is proven thanks to a study carried out by Fast Company that the most diverse companies have higher levels of innovation! This is thanks to the fact that diversity, equity and inclusion go hand in hand and when a work culture is well built and these minds can express themselves without barriers or limitations, the employee experience improves so much that the initiative is a natural response to this comfort and job security.

At Elaniin we believe that we are all the same and one of our fundamental principles in the company is diversity.

We are aware that the road is long and requires a lot of work, but we are attentive to improving and listening to each one of our employees in order to create an excellent environment to work and so that everyone always feels safe!

We see differences as opportunities for growth and ways of enriching our learning processes and skills. For us is more than just the mere acceptance of all kinds of people and their beliefs, what we want to characterize us is the respect we have and share for each individual and we want to invite everyone to be their true selves but also to respect and treat their colleagues equally, with the same respect that is given.

We also want to preach, advocate, and promote that inclusion is an integral part of our company values. We focus on making the importance of all our values always felt since Elaniin is the home and place for all those who want to be part of us, without exceptions.

And above all, our goal is to make our teams remember that the more diverse we are, the stronger we become!