Building an inclusive workplace: How recognition transforms teams

Recognition is incredibly powerful; it can boost employee engagement, retention and productivity. It can also enhance inclusion in your organisation, fostering an environment where team members feel welcome regardless of their backgrounds, experiences or any other factor.    

Let’s explore different ways to use recognition to make your workplace more inclusive.  

How recognition fosters inclusion in the workplace

1. By highlighting diverse achievements

Recognition encourages inclusion in the workplace by celebrating the unique strengths of employees. Acknowledging a wide range of contributions demonstrates that the organisation appreciates the differences in the employees’ backgrounds and experiences. This reasserts that everyone’s skills and perspectives are essential, making each employee feel seen and valued regardless of their identity or background.

Such recognition also promotes an inclusive workplace culture by challenging any existing stereotypes about who can make breakthroughs and hit organisational milestones.   

2. By fostering psychological safety

Encouraging people to bring their whole selves to work is a core element of inclusion. Recognising employees’ ideas, efforts and contributions creates a psychologically safe environment where they’re confident to share their thoughts and opinions. Appreciating their unique suggestions and contributions reinforces that they’re valued, making them feel safe to share their ideas without fear of judgment.  

3. By empowering underrepresented groups

Employees from underrepresented groups are often overlooked or subjected to biased assumptions. Recognition can highlight and validate the contributions and experiences of such individuals. This acknowledgement emphasises the importance of their skills, builds their confidence, improves their profile and highlights their potential for greater responsibilities. 

This can give employees greater visibility and influence in the organisation, thereby opening up more opportunities for career growth and combating any systemic disadvantages.  

4. By nurturing a sense of belonging

Recognition is proof that employees are seen and valued. When acknowledged for their contributions, employees feel a greater sense of belonging; the recognition demonstrates that their efforts matter to the team, and emphasises that they’re truly integral and significant members of the organisation.

Recognition can make employees feel more integrated into the organisation. It strengthens social bonds and creates a valid sense of shared success as the employees will feel like a part of a community working towards a larger goal.     

4 Ways to use recognition as a tool to foster inclusion at work

1. Set up inclusive recognition programs

Inclusive recognition programs typically feature broad recognition criteria that encompass a wide range of achievements which include innovation, teamwork and more. Such broad criteria ensure that recognition is distributed equitably across different demographics, making it possible for various team members to be recognised. 

The criteria for recognition should be clear and accessible to all employees too; this will ensure that they understand what’s required to win. Implement different forms of recognition. Using both top-down recognition which involves acknowledgement from organisation leaders and peer-to-peer recognition from colleagues will make the recognition feel more natural and foster inclusion.

Regularly assess the recognition programs to eliminate any discriminatory elements. Consider having a diverse panel of judges to guarantee equitable assessment of each candidate for recognition. Also, use inclusive language in the program to show authenticity.      

2. Applaud diversity in achievements

Celebrating accomplishments rooted in different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives is an efficient way to make your workplace more inclusive with recognition. It’s a strong indicator that people of different backgrounds are welcome in your organisation. In your recognition programs, create categories dedicated to acknowledging diverse achievements. 

Recognise efforts tied to diverse cultural events such as Pride month or Juneteenth. Employees who participate in cultural awareness events or lead diversity initiatives should be duly acknowledged.    

3. Reward inclusive behaviours

To boost inclusivity in your organisation with recognition, it’s important to reward inclusive behaviours. Begin by defining inclusive behaviour and communicate this directive company-wide. Inclusive behaviour could include exposing and addressing bias, supporting diverse team members, fostering collaboration and encouraging respect and healthy communication.

Publicly celebrating employees who display such inclusive behaviours endorses inclusivity and reinforces its importance in your organisation. 

4. Draw attention to underrepresented groups

Giving centerstage to historically marginalised and underrepresented groups is a good way to make your organisation more inclusive. It’s important to host events that are wholly dedicated to and celebrate them as well as their contributions to the organisation. Women leadership awards and recognition of any employee resource groups in your organisation will underscore their importance to the organisation and provide them with much-needed visibility.

Inclusion is crucial to the long-term growth of any organisation. Recognition, when done right, can make your workplace more inclusive. Try these tips above to get started today.