Workforce Matters: Inclusion is like Safety — Everyone is Responsible
Diverse perspectives can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making.
- Interrupting or speaking over colleagues during safety meetings or project discussions.
- Ignoring or dismissing ideas from certain team members, especially in brainstorming sessions.
- Making assumptions based on stereotypes, such as questioning the technical abilities of certain personnel.
- Excluding individuals from important meetings or project updates.
- Using language that marginalizes or offends, whether in casual conversations or formal communications.
- Encourage open dialogue: Create a safe space for team members to share their experiences and concerns, especially during safety briefings and project discussions. Ask for feedback regularly and being open to making necessary changes helps demonstrate a leader’s commitment to doing the right thing for the team.
- Lead by example: A leader must demonstrate inclusive behavior in interactions, acknowledge contributions, actively listen and ensure everyone has a voice in discussions, particularly during critical project phases.
- Hold discussions on inclusive workplace practices: Regular discussions about inclusion at work covering unconscious bias, cultural competence and inclusive practices can make a significant difference to the team culture. Equipping teams with the tools they need to recognize and address non-inclusive behaviors enhances both team dynamics and safety culture.
- Support mentoring and sponsorship: Mentoring and sponsoring underrepresented team members can support their career development. Helping them to navigate their career paths and providing development opportunities within the technical environment will help build their confidence as well as technical capabilities.
About the Author
Lauren Neal
Founder and Chief Program Creator, Valued at Work
Lauren Neal is the Founder of Valued at Work – a consultancy that creates workplace cultures where no one wants to leave, in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Since 2005, Lauren has worked as an engineer and project manager in the energy sector offshore, onshore and onsite on multimillion-dollar projects across the globe. Chartered through both the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Association of Project Management (APM), Lauren is a sought-after speaker, writer, and consultant championing career progression within STEM and inclusive workplace cultures beyond the boundaries of demographics.
Lauren’s book released in October 2023 – 'Valued at Work: Shining a Light on Bias to Engage, Enable, and Retain Women in STEM' – became an Amazon #1 best-seller and is a finalist in the 2024 Business Book Awards.
Click here to reach out to Lauren.