How to Create An Inclusive Work Culture (Really)

Ruchika Tulshyan: “When I read this article, I am pretty sure the person in the next room thought I was losing my mind: I shouted ‘yes’ and ‘finally!’ pretty much throughout reading it. I still do when I re-read it for the billionth time. It puts into perspective the lesser spoken about (but most people of color know exactly what this refers to) pressures of ‘professionalism’—like perfectionism, punctuality, speech, accent, and dress—that all point to a coded bias towards whiteness and Westerness. To create an inclusive environment (really), we must recognize and work against only having one acceptable way of doing things.”

RT: “Jodi-Ann Burey is an extraordinary leader and her TED talk so poignantly captures the experience so many people of color have at work. Too many workplaces say they want everyone to bring their authentic selves to the workplace, only to penalize employees from underestimated backgrounds for doing just that. This is a must watch!”

RT: “Everything Ellen McGirt touches is gold, and her newsletter, RaceAhead is free for subscribers, straight to your inbox. I love this newsletter and walk away smarter each time. This particular story makes me optimistic and energized about creating a more inclusive America in these tough times.”

RT: “I assign this to every class I teach because Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a sorceress with words ... and having grown up with learning a singular story about people like myself in the media, I think the power of storytelling can unlock inclusion across the board. When more leaders choose to see beyond stereotypical narratives about marginalized people, we’ll see real change.”

RT: “I adore this clever, easily accessible short film with a huge message. I can’t imagine anyone not connecting with this film and it also puts into perspective the subtle nuances of exclusion as much as the overt ones, like what it feels like to be the ‘only’ in the room.”

RT: “This conversation is so powerful! What I love the most is Aiko’s reminder that diversity, equity, and inclusion work isn’t transactional, it’s relational. We must prioritize creating deeper relationships within underestimated communities rather than using people of color as ‘diversity covers.’”

RT: “Professor Crenshaw’s work should be required in every classroom across the world. It’s so clear how the intersections of our identities compound our experiences in the workplace. And yet, not at all intuitive. I love that this important term (coined in 1989!) is finally entering our mainstream lexicon.”

RT: “I appreciate this thoughtful piece that points to how important it is for workplaces to prioritize inclusion over diversity. Too often, women of color are brought in to ‘save’ toxic workplace cultures, without others taking responsibility for creating an inclusive culture. This article has some good recommendations on how to make meaningful change.”

RT: “Tired of displays of performative allyship—or people just stepping up for social justice issues when it’s convenient or trendy? This article helps the reader differentiate between true action and allyship … and the performative kind.”

RT: “Stella Nkomo and Ella Bell Smith are the trailblazers who really brought to light how women of color, particularly Black women, face such significant challenges at work compared to white women. This podcast episode is hard-hitting but also creates so much hope about how more white women can push for racial justice at work by building relationships with Black women.”

RT: “Two minutes and thirty-one seconds that will change your life. Just watch it, seriously, and pass it on.”