We don’t always think about the difference between diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This can slowly begin to negatively impact the community of employees because it’s easy to interpret these two terms as synonyms, even though that’s not the case. The first step to making positive, diverse changes is understanding this major difference and applying it.
The Oxford dictionary states that diversity is “the state of being diverse; variety.”
Inclusion is referred to “the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of other minority groups” (Oxford dictionary).
That being said, diversity doesn’t necessarily mean everyone in the workspace is being included. All workers, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, social, or ethnic backgrounds, should feel welcomed and valued. We are all capable of contributing to our community, and it’s not socially sound to say a company is diverse without putting in the effort to include everyone.
Understanding this is what we all must do to realize the importance of diversity and inclusion not only in the workplace but in day-to-day life as well.