Cultivating a culture of inclusivity

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#CuriousMoments with Advita

Cultivating a culture of inclusivity goes beyond performative awareness days and the odd event about a lunchtime learning session.

Inclusion must be built into the entire colleague life cycle. You should experience it from the moment you spot the job advert (e.g. using inclusive language in an advert, flexible benefits etc.) to the moment you decide to leave (e.g. a 121 discussion on the impact you’ve made, supportive guidance to help you thrive etc.).

It’s about how connected you feel to the organisation and the people who work there. It’s about the community spirit and the support you have from leaders to keep on thriving rather than just surviving. It’s how you belong without being ridiculed or ignored for being different.

So how do you spot an inclusive organisation?

People are curious. They will ask fair questions and not fear entering productive disagreements because they know they won’t be penalised.

Colleagues know that when they speak, they’ll be heard, and leaders will take appropriate action.

People understand the value they bring to their job and how they can contribute to the organisation’s success.

Trust is high, and leaders give autonomy/flexibility to their teams to complete their work.

People genuinely love coming to work.

Colleagues are rewarded fairly and appreciated for their work frequently.

The culture is often highly innovative, with people sharing ideas and thoughts continuously.

Inclusive practices are embedded throughout, and people are clear about expectations.

Communication is clear, consistent and concise, so colleagues are always kept in the loop.

???? What does an inclusive culture feel like to you?

If you want to know more, our book Building a Culture of Inclusivity is now available from most online bookstores and Amazon.

Feel free to get in touch if you want to audit your communication to assess how inclusive it currently is!

 

Originally posted on LinkedIn, Follow me for more curious moments.

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Advita Patel

Advita Patel is the founder of CommsRebel, an award-winning internal communications consultancy. She helps organisations globally navigate change, strengthen workplace culture and create better
employee experiences through effective internal communications.

With more than two decades of experience in internal communications, Advita is a Chartered PR Practitioner, CIPR Fellow, qualified coach and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) certified facilitator. She works with leaders and internal communication teams to build confidence, strengthen their influence and communicate through change with greater clarity.

In 2025, Advita served as President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), becoming the first person of colour to hold the position in its 75-year history. She is also the award-winning, best-selling co-author of Building a Culture of Inclusivity and the author of Decoding Confidence: The Seven Habits of Confident Leaders.

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