Building an Inclusive Onboarding Experience

We are living in a transformational working situation. With the accelerated change, the pace of talent is elevated as well. One of the defining characteristics of this time is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that are increasingly essential in modern workplaces. Employees, customers, and investors favor organizations that model DEI initiatives by referring to them as competitive differentiators. A McKinsey report finds that global GDP could rise by $12 trillion by 2030 by narrowing gender gaps.

Integrating DEI initiatives from the beginning of an employee’s career journey helps new hires feel seen, valued, and encouraged to engage in the organization. In a CNBC survey, 78% of employees said they would prefer to work at an organization that prioritizes diversity and inclusion.

DEI initiatives driving organizational success

In a Deloitte report, 93% of the workforce agreed a sense of belongingness at work drives their performance. With growing recognition of the advantages of diversity and inclusion, organizations are integrating DEI programs into their onboarding processes to ensure that new employees feel included and valued.

• Improved employee engagement and retention:

Studies have shown that employees who feel valued and included are more likely to be engaged and remain with their organization for extended periods. Integrating DEI initiatives into onboarding programs creates a welcoming environment making new hires feel they belong, thus increasing employee engagement and retention.

• Enhanced creativity and innovation:

Diversity in the workplace brings different ideas, experiences, and approaches. This diverse spectrum of opinion could give rise to opportunities for various ideas, solutions, and conclusions. Also, it would promote a culture of inclusivity, encouraging employees to share, which further aids in remaining competitive.

• Improved decision-making with diverse perspectives:

Inclusive workplaces allow for better decision-making as they bring diverse perspectives. Consequently, with DEI initiatives, organizations can create a culture that values and seeks diverse perspectives. It lets teams make better decisions and solve problems more effectively.

Ensuring an Inclusive Onboarding Process with DEI Strategies

Onboarding welcomes and integrates new hires into a company’s culture and operations. It sets the foundation for success and helps them feel supported and valued in their new role. Their constant thought would be that it is their right decision to join the organization. Thus warmth, support, belongingness, and inclusion are prime to ascertain.

Starting the right foot with DEI strategies in the onboarding process:

• Providing continuous support: Let new hires start their professional journey without getting overwhelmed. The constant support available to them irrespective of job location, language preference, demographic setup, and embracing the large spectrum of differences with a focus on inclusion.

• Establishing an inclusive DEI training program: To help new hires know the organization’s commitment towards inclusion and that diverse attributes matter as much to the organization as to new hires. Sharing DEI principles, including topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and cultural sensitivity, while onboarding will equip new hires to navigate the complex dynamics of the modern workplace.

• Setting behavior expectations: Having the appropriate code of conduct and company policies around harassment, discrimination, and diversity. Making these expectations clear during onboarding helps new employees understand what is and is not acceptable behavior.

• DEI into team-building activities: To foster a more inclusive environment by incorporating DEI-specific activities in the regular employee engagement initiatives such as team building, team refresher meets, lunch, etc. Also, the cultural exchange events, diversity and inclusion workshops, and other activities celebrate the differences between team members.

• Regularly checking in and soliciting feedback: To foster a more inclusive environment, periodic checks with new employees on adjusting to the company culture. And actively seeking feedback to identify areas where the onboarding process can be improved, creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for future new hires.

A new era of onboarding is here. Job seekers today want more freedom, meaningful and purpose-driven work in an inclusive culture. Incorporating DEI into the onboarding process creates a welcoming and supportive workplace for all employees.

Contact expert learning consultants at G-Cube to create a more prosperous and sustainable future. That values and celebrates diversity and supports the success of all employees, regardless of their background or experience.