Creating more inclusive workplaces

The first step to creating more inclusive workplaces is getting a better understanding of how we are currently performing and how we can improve.

To streamline our efforts in measuring and benchmarking inclusion, Inclusive Australia and Monash University have developed an evidence-based tool that evaluates an organisation’s inclusive policies and practices, and recommends targeted interventions for reaching inclusion goals.

The first iteration of the diagnostic tool includes the Managers’ Tool and the Employee Survey, which are ready for piloting. A consumer survey might be added down the track.

BehaviourWorks Director and Inclusive Australia Board Member Liam Smith and his team have been working over the past two years to review evidence to underpin the diagnostic tool and create a user-friendly platform to deliver it. The tool has also been reviewed by a team of leading inclusion scholars and practitioners.

“There is nothing on the market like it that is based completely on evidence and provides a clear roadmap forward. Naturally, the outcome of the diagnostic tool can be supplemented by case-specific analysis and recommendations,” he said.

Evidence-based insights

A comprehensive review was conducted of past research into common interventions designed to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and their effectiveness against certain desirable outcomes.

From this review, 10 domains were identified that can be assessed using the diagnostic tool. These include:

• Strategy, commitment, and accountability from leadership
• Visibility, role models, and communication
• Fair selection processes
• Diversity and inclusion training and education
• Job and skills training
• Mentoring and peer support programs
• Flexible working arrangements
• Workplace accommodations
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of diversity and inclusion strategies
• Inclusiveness of initiatives, practices, and policies

Seven existing assessment tools were also reviewed to ensure that the Inclusive Australia diagnostic tool was offering something unique and overarching.

Automated online platform

The diagnostic tool can be easily accessed through an online platform.

“We will continue to improve the user-interface and the delivery of the results to meet the needs of organisations, but we have an incredibly valuable tool that is ready to be tested,” Liam said.

1. Managers’ Tool

The Managers’ Tool can be completed by managers to determine performance in each domain. At completion, you will receive:

• the organisation’s score out of five for each domain;
• information about interventions in each domain that have worked in other contexts and their effectiveness;
• a rating of the quality of evidence for this information;
• the most common outcomes associated with these domains, such as ‘gender diversity’; and
• any important considerations when implementing the interventions.

1. Employee Survey

To supplement this data, staff can be asked to complete a separate online survey that will help the organisation identify how staff are feeling and any gaps between policy and practice, as well as staff perceptions of inclusion.

To learn more or trial the diagnostic tool in your organisation, please contact andrea.pearman@inclusiveaustralia.com.au