Does Workplace Inclusion Aid Employee Retention?

Workplace inclusion, like DEI (diversity-equity-inclusion) initiatives, are more than just employee retention strategies; they are a basic right for all. If your business does not yet practice intentional inclusion, that’s ok. It’s never too late to get started. Workplace inclusion is more important than ever, both from a human rights and labour perspective, and inclusion benefits everyone: traditionally marginalized communities like newcomers, racialized persons, women, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ communities, and everyone else; even the people who don’t feel like they need inclusion. 

Understand the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

How Does Workplace Inclusion Benefit Everyone?

Diversity is a fact; it is a fact that the world, our communities, workplaces, and neighbourhoods are populated by people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Inclusion is a practice. It requires intention, because even when we think we’re inclusive, there’s always an opportunity to be better, to get a different perspective. 

When we practice intentional inclusion in the workplace, we all get better, improve, see things differently, learn and unlearn, and empathize; the old adage high tides raise all boats comes to mind. From an ethical perspective, workplace inclusion is necessary, and from a labour perspective workplace inclusion is a benefit. Here’s how: 

Find Employee Retention With Workplace Inclusion

When all employees feel like they belong in the workplace employees feel valued, respected, and important; they’re more likely to stay engaged in their work and loyal to their workplace. BetterUp conducted a study that found that employees who feel a sense of belonging are 10 times more likely to stay with their employer. According to a McKinsey study, companies with the most ethnically diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to record higher profits than their peers, making their workplaces more likely to attract and retain the best talent. 

Inclusion is also an important factor for the newest generation to join the workforce, Gen Z. The next generation of talent believes that workforce diversity is fundamental to growth and innovation, according to a McKinsey study on Gen Z in the workplace. The practice of workplace inclusion will keep your talent coffers well stocked. 

There’s more than one way to recruit talent to your workplace: 

Workplace Inclusion in Eastern Ontario

The City of Belleville understands the need for workplace inclusion. So much so that in 2023 the City of Belleville became the first workplace in the city to adopt a Workplace Inclusion Charter as a diversity tool. The aim is to create and promote a safe workplace for all employees, including marginalized communities, at the City of Belleville and all other signatory organizations (of which there are many). 

Employers in the City of Belleville that have adopted the charter include (but are not limited to):

• Loyalist College 
• Guernsey Team Real Estate
• Trenval
• Stegg
• Meta
• Emmerson Packaging

And local organizations that prioritize DEI principles are supporting the charter, like the Quinte Local Immigration Partnership. 

What can newcomers and international students bring to your workplace? Let’s find out:

Your business and your employees deserve the best and the best includes the sense of belonging and growth that comes from workplace inclusion. 

External links are provided as informational resources only and are not necessarily endorsed by Ontario East.