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Inclusive workplaces

Inclusive workplaces

Hello everyone,

I slept very well last night and this morning I got a bit of housecleaning done. Anyhow, on to the topic: what do you consider is an inclusive workplace? Inclusive workplaces are very important to me --- a person who has autism. For me, inclusive workplaces are those that are mindful of people who are neurodiverse; or people who have autism. Some examples I suggest that would indicate an inclusive workplace are the following:

1. At the interview stage, if questions can be written down so I can read what is being asked then that will reduce my performance anxiety.

2. Again at the interview stage, if interview questions are sent to the candidate in advance that would drastically alleviate performance anxiety.

3. The reduction of artificial light and the introduce of natural light into the office space. I find it very hard to deal with artificial light, but natural light is well and truly my favourite.

4. Finally, I believe that an inclusive workplace is a trauma-informed workplace.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions, and I should like to also let you know there is no right or wrong answer; all ideas are welcome and equally considered.

13 replies

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In response to: Inclusive workplaces

Re: Inclusive workplaces

Hey @PositivePossum6 !

This is such a great topic to chat about. I love all of the suggestions that you put in your original post, as well as the others that other members have shared.

I think for me there are a few different things that can make a more inclusive workplace (coming from someone that suffers from anxious thoughts, and that gets stressed quite easily).

I agree with the interview questions being written down, or sent prior to the actual interview. This has happened to me before while going through the recruitment process, and it definitely helped mitigate a lot of unnecessary stress that comes along with the already daunting interview process! I got time to think about what my answers would be, and what I could touch on versus what I shouldn't, as well as the general vibe of the interview overall.

I think that the workplace should be aware of environmental factors that could be changed to promote a better work environment for everyone. For example; having dimmer lighting as I know that light can be a massive trigger for many people (including myself), as well as the layout of the office. Sometimes if it is too crammed, and the layout does not promote a relaxed environment, I can feel very claustrophobic and anxious.

I also think that ensuring that everyone is included in meetings, or at least has the option to, as well as other social events or fun activities outside of your usual meetings (very dependent on where you work and whether you actually have meetings or not) can be really relaxing to know that you have been completely included within the workplace. I am someone that gets quite anxious about not being valued within a space, so this can help me feel a bit better 🙂

Let me know your thoughts,

Amber22

In response to: Re: Inclusive workplaces

Re: Inclusive workplaces

Nice to hear (read🙂) from you @PositivePossum6 thanks for the warm reply.

Writing a novel is quite a big deal! There is the quote, that 'we all have one good book in us.' I think it's true! I have lots to say, yet I'm unsure what my book is. If you would like to share, I would be interested in the topic. That's also completely fine if you want to keep it private. I don't like to share things until they are complete, & maybe not at all.

I agree with others, that this is an important topic. As I'm not currently in the workforce, I don't feel like I can contribute too much. I'm agreeing with so many suggestions.

Hello, @amber22 🙂 I think being included is an excellent point. I'm not sure if everyone gets anxious about feeling left out - I know I could certainly resonate with your descriptions.

In response to: Re: Inclusive workplaces

Re: Inclusive workplaces

I am not sure about "everyone" however what I would venture to say is that no one deserves to be excluded or prevented from accessing a space (in our case a workplace). Exclusion or excluding an individual in a workplace setting is a form of harassment.
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