One of the most powerful things about being a business owner is the ability to create a work environment according to your own principles. So many of us have worked within a company or organization and been disappointed by the way things were run, the way team members were treated. So, we wanted to ask some fantastic business owners and operators how they’ve gone about creating a more inclusive workplace.

Lizzy Layne

In my previous role, I helped establish a volunteer-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) task force. Our focus was to create initiatives that embrace DE&I, both internally and at company conferences and events. While working on developing these DE&I best practices, I identified several gaps that hadn’t been considered at conferences, such as gender-inclusive restrooms, closed captioning for presentations, accessible color combinations, and a lack of diversity in speakers and event panelists. My team and I were able to set new DE&I standards for conferences and events, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable environment for all participants. My advice for anyone working to build a more inclusive workplace is to be mindful of all the potential needs to be addressed and to be cautious of companies that claim to prioritize DE&I, but do so only for appearances, without truly putting those practices into action. Read more>>

Veronica Takenaka

For me, as a trans woman, making a space as inclusive as possible is necessary for any workplace to function. Especially as a queer artist, the best spaces for me to be in are those created by queer people. There is such an empathy and lack of shame that makes me feel protected. I think by making it so all are included in the workplace, whether by not assuming someone’s gender when you first meet them and asking for their preferred pronouns, or by actively working to educate yourself on how to improve and be more inclusive to all groups of people. I felt this, especially at one of my previous establishments, where multiple times someone would call me sir when asking for help, to the point where I felt I couldn’t be open about who I was. If I had someone who was open to listening, who would stand up beside me, and actively work to go against that form of oppression, I think my experience would have been so much more accepting and understanding. No one has to be perfect at it, and everyone is allowed to make mistakes. However, what you do with those mistakes and how you grow from them makes a workplace more inclusive. This is what I strive to emanate with any professional workplace I am in, or even in my everyday life with family and friends. To be safe is to be inclusive, and by striving for that we can actively make this world a better place. Read more>>

Kyla Morris

When starting our business in the wedding industry, we knew inclusivity was going to play a huge role in our day to day business. The traditional wedding industry often defaults to terms like ‘bride and groom,’ but we as a team make a conscious effort to use inclusive language such as ‘couples’ to ensure everyone feels represented. We also collaborated with members of the LGBTQIA+ community to craft an inclusivity statement that reflects their insights and experiences. It’s so important in our industry to celebrate all love, in all its forms, and ensure that everyone feels seen and valued. My advice is to foster open conversations, educate your team on inclusivity, and let diverse voices shape your policies. A more inclusive workplace and service starts with the willingness to evolve.” Read more>>

Cassily Danwei Zhao

Creating an inclusive workplace starts with encouraging open communication, where feedback is welcomed, and employees feel valued without fear of judgment. It’s essential to have diverse representation at all levels, especially in decision-making roles, to ensure a variety of perspectives are considered. Empathy plays a critical role in understanding each individual’s unique challenges and experiences, creating a more supportive and collaborative environment. Accessibility and flexibility are also essential, whether it’s offering adaptable work arrangements or ensuring the workspace is physically accessible for everyone. Lastly, incorporating inclusive design thinking is key—ensuring diverse voices are part of the design process leads to more innovative and effective solutions that resonate with a broader audience. Read more>>