How can you build a more inclusive work culture in hybrid environments?

Creating an inclusive culture is always important but it becomes even more significant in an hybrid environment. It is important for the leadership team to set good examples through regularly stressing the importance of valuing and acknowledging everyone's contributions, setting clear expectations and encouraging open lines of communication. Sharing stories of how we treat one another is a good way to demonstrate how highly we value inclusivity in hybrid environments

To create an inclusive work culture in hybrid setups, focus on clear communication, fair access to information, and flexible work policies. Embrace inclusive meeting practices, provide diversity training, and acknowledge everyone's contributions. Foster team unity through virtual activities, involve all employees in decision-making, and use technology for inclusivity. Regular check-ins and leadership commitment set the stage for an environment where everyone feels valued. These steps help bridge the gap between in-office and remote workers, cultivating a professional and inclusive workplace.

Promote open communication, encourage diverse perspectives, establish flexible work policies, and provide resources for remote employees to ensure equal opportunities and participation in decision-making. Regularly assess and adapt initiatives to address evolving needs.

In hybrid work environments, ensuring that remote and on-site team members feel equally valued and engaged is vital. Business leaders need to be proactive in creating spaces where every voice is heard, regardless of the employee's location. I've observed the effectiveness of virtual team-building exercises and regular check-ins to maintain engagement. For instance, in a recent project, we implemented weekly virtual meetings that allowed remote team members to contribute equally to discussions, ensuring their insights were as valued as those in our project room. This approach not only promoted inclusivity but also enhanced the overall team dynamics, proving that thoughtful communication strategies can successfully unite a hybrid workforce.

Establishing "norms" should be an inclusive and participatory practice. Host a planning session where all stakeholders are at the table and can provide information on their own needs and preferences in working in hybrid environments. Note that hybrid means working together in-person as well as virtually, but also take into account working independently (offline) and together. Some people would rather work on their own and then meet with the group. Others may prefer group work. There is no way to anticipate all needs - so best to ask people themselves.

Seeking and acting on feedback when building a more inclusive hybrid work culture is crucial. Additionally sharing what you learn and act on with other teams would have a broader impact for the organization. Seeking feedback promotes inclusion and belonging.

Leading by example is fundamental to building an inclusive culture in any environment, including hybrid. Whether in person or via a virtual setting, 1) Learn everyone's name and correct pronunciation. 2) Ensure that each and every person has an opportunity to participate in a discussion. In facilitating discussions in person or online, I've learned the importance of calling on people who haven't volunteered their comments. In every case, they have something meaningful and top-of-mind to contribute; it's simply that some people need to be *invited* to comment. 3) Model listening attentively and respectfully to each person, and ultimately try to incorporate a variety of perspectives in any summation.

Our society, including work settings, tends to focus on a small exclusive group of people, thereby leaving large segments of our populations out on the periphery -- people of color, women and girls, refugees and immigrants, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and so on. By doing so, we limit the our ability to find innovative solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges -- solutions that are necessary to unleash growth and prosperity. Every company and organization will achieve its greater potential, strategically and financially, by including people from a variety of backgrounds at all levels in the enterprise. In my books, I provide dozens of case studies that demonstrate this.