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.

Marie Saloum

Creating an inclusive workplace is crucial for fostering a diverse environment where everyone can feel valued and empowered. It is important to engage in open communication, where employees can voice opinions and share any concerns they might have. Have some diversity in the employees that you hire. Not just in their skillset but also in elements like ethnicity, gender, etc. I think as a female owner in a heavily male-dominated industry, I find myself always being aware of how my employees might feel in their workplace. It’s important to me to celebrate the diversity of my employees, and recognize that they all come from various backgrounds and cultural identities. In workplaces, where I see that active listening and the perspectives of all being valued, I find it is in those moments where inclusivity is shining through. Read more>>

Minette Norman

Leaders play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment, and many leaders are unaware of the impact of their everyday behavior. Consciously or unconsciously, leaders set the tone with what they communicate and stay silent about, what they reward and punish, and how they respond and interact with their team members and colleagues. What does it mean to feel included at work? It means that everyone is seen, heard, and valued for who they are and how they think. It also means that everyone has the same opportunities as others. To create an inclusive workplace culture, we must ensure that no one feels like an outsider. That means that we need to be open to different ideas and perspectives. We have to listen with curiosity, even when we disagree. We need to get to know people we don’t naturally “click” with. Read more>>

Sean Williams

Creating an inclusive space was why the business was established in the first place and is the only way that I operate. Most gyms, especially corporate ones, are exclusive and lack community, but United Athletic Club was built to disrupt that. The conventional American gym culture – hyper-patriotic, isolated and masculine – I never fit in with coming from Gabon and being in community with queer people. As an African immigrant, fostering connection is part of my culture and myself. That’s why the best advice I can give to make a workplace more inclusive is to be hands on. If you are physically present, learning about the people who support and work for your business, you can adjust to make your space and services more inclusive. I have had to overcome many obstacles on my own after coming to the U.S. and being a Black man, so I know how much harder it is alone. When we come together in community, have relationships where you believe in each other and grow trust, inclusion comes naturally. Burdens and barriers to accessing a space lessen when we are united, especially when your messaging and branding prioritizes unity and community. Read more>>