Inclusion in the workplace is becoming a major strategic challenge, because creating an environment where every employee can achieve their full potential radically transforms the performance and attractiveness of your organisation. Find out how to become an inclusive company by taking concrete action and organising events that bring this ambition to life.
Inclusion in the workplace: what does it mean?
Corporate inclusion refers to an organisation's ability to create an environment where all employees feel valued, respected and able to contribute fully. This approach goes beyond diversity to create an authentic culture of belonging, a fundamental step towards becoming an inclusive company.
By recognising and valuing differences - origins, genders, ages, disabilities, career paths or thinking styles - the inclusive company transforms these specificities into genuine collective strengths.
Inclusion vs. diversity: an essential nuance
Diversity is about inviting different profiles to the table, while inclusion is about ensuring that everyone has a voice and can express themselves freely. If a company can be diverse without being inclusive, it's because certain groups remain marginalised. Inclusion, on the other hand, transforms diversity into a competitive advantage by unleashing the potential of all talents.
Why is inclusion a strategic issue for companies?
Becoming an inclusive company transforms performance by unleashing the creative potential of all employees. When every talent expresses itself fully, the organisation benefits from a diversity of perspectives that enriches decision-making and stimulates innovation.
Inclusion also enhances employer attractiveness in a competitive market where candidates are looking for barrier-free environments. However, a number of obstacles remain: unconscious bias, resistance to change or lack of training. Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome through targeted actions, such as federative internal events.
How do in-house events promote inclusion?
Company events are a powerful lever for building an inclusive culture, because they create special moments when inclusion comes to life in concrete terms, over and above policies and speeches.
Creating spaces for meeting and dialogue
By bringing together employees who do not normally interact, events help to overcome prejudices through informal exchanges that build authentic relationships.
Bringing people together across functions and hierarchies
When an event is well designed, it breaks down hierarchical barriers so that managers and employees are on an equal footing, encouraging the emergence of collective intelligence.
Valuing individual identities, cultures and talents
By celebrating the richness of differences, inclusive events highlight diverse skills and unique perspectives, boosting self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
5 ideas for inclusive team building events
Whereez supports professionals in their drive to become an inclusive company through team building activities specially designed to raise awareness and bring people together. Discover 5 transformative experiences that give meaning to your corporate events.
Disability Olympics
Raise your teams' awareness of disability with the Disability Olympics, a unique immersive experience in which participants discover cecifoot, adapted boxing and blind para-volleyball. This activity develops empathy and transforms the way people look at disability.
Diversity and inclusion buzzer
Immerse yourself in the world of Zinclusiens with Team Buzzer Diversity and Inclusion! This fun programme combines an escape game, quizzes and collaborative workshops, allowing participants to explore gender equality, disability, ethnicity and the LGBT movement through 100% live entertainment.
Solidarity treasure hunt
Discover Paris in a different way with this solidarity-based treasure hunt! Your teams will explore little-known neighbourhoods and meet some of the people involved: a chocolate maker, a stained-glass artist, a shared garden... An urban stroll that raises awareness of the social and solidarity economy.
Solidarity cooking workshop for the homeless
Turn your team building into a concrete action with this solidarity cooking workshop. Your employees prepare meals for people in vulnerable situations, creating a positive social impact. An experience that gives meaning and reveals commitment.
Discrimination awareness workshop
Get the word out with this workshop on discrimination led by an expert. "On ne peut plus rien dire" takes a no-holds-barred approach to sensitive subjects, deconstructing prejudices and educating your teams.
Tips for organising an inclusive corporate event
Choose activities that are accessible to all
To choose activities that are accessible to all, favour formats that adapt to all profiles and abilities. This means checking that the venue is physically accessible, offering different levels of participation and making sure that no one feels excluded: attention to detail is essential if you are to become an inclusive company. Wellness activities or team games often offer this necessary flexibility.
Ensure neutral formats (venues, timetables, entertainment)
To respect family and religious constraints, select suitable time slots and choose neutral venues that are accessible by transport. Also adapt the entertainment to include different styles of communication, while avoiding overly specific cultural references.
Involve employees in the design process
By consulting your teams beforehand to identify their needs and expectations, you create an organising committee that is representative of your company's diversity. This co-construction guarantees the relevance of the event and accelerates your transformation into an inclusive company. CSR and solidarity events often meet these expectations of positive impact.
FAQ
What are the first steps in becoming an inclusive company?
Start with a diagnosis of your current culture, train your managers in inclusion, define measurable objectives and organise unifying events to create a positive dynamic.
How do you measure progress in terms of inclusion?
Use quantitative indicators (representation, pay gaps, staff turnover) and qualitative indicators (satisfaction surveys, inclusion barometers, employee feedback) to assess your progress.
What is the budget for inclusive events?
Costs vary according to the scale and duration of the activities. Investing in becoming an inclusive company generates a measurable positive return in terms of performance, attractiveness and talent retention.
