Cultivating Inclusivity: 7 Strategies for Fostering Diversity in Remote Teams

Sarah Obi

November 12, 2024

•

min read

Remote work has grown in popularity in recent years, giving businesses access to a worldwide talent pool and fosters diversity among their workforces, yet maintaining diversity and inclusivity in remote teams is becoming more difficult as a result of this transition. To promote a sense of belonging and respect for every team member, regardless of their location or background, deliberate efforts and tactics are needed to cultivate inclusion in remote teams.

Defining inclusivity in remote teams is the first step toward creating a workplace where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered. In this context, inclusivity means ensuring that all employees have equal access to opportunities, resources, and a sense of belonging, regardless of their physical location. Inclusivity goes beyond just acknowledging diversity; it’s about actively promoting and supporting it within the virtual workspace.

The importance of diversity and inclusion for high-performing organizations is not recent news. In 2015, McKinsey found that the public companies in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in management were 35% more likely to outperform their competitors. Furthermore, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 15% more likely to have returns above their industry average.

In an age of seismic transformation, diverse teams offer creativity and productivity advantages critical to seizing opportunities and surviving disruption.

To this end, Harvard Business Review found more diverse teams solve problems faster than those with similar abilities. Similarly, Deloitte Australia found teams that foster diversity and inclusion are more inclusive and outperform peers by 80% on team-based assessments. Research from John Bersin found diverse teams are 1.7X more likely to be leaders in their industry.

Here are some effective strategies for fostering diversity and inclusivity in remote teams:

1. Prioritize Diversity in Hiring:

One of the first steps in building a diverse remote team is to prioritize diversity in your hiring process. This involves actively seeking out candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. Utilize platforms and job boards that cater to underrepresented groups in the tech industry, such as MADU. Our team of experts utilizes advanced sourcing techniques to ensure your remote team reflects a rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Additionally, consider implementing blind recruitment practices to minimize bias and ensure that candidates are evaluated based on their skills and qualifications, rather than demographic factors.

2. Provide Diversity Training:

Once you've assembled a diverse remote team, it's essential to provide ongoing diversity training for all employees; employee development and support initiatives, including mentorship programs, diversity training, and resources for personal and professional growth.

This training should focus on raising awareness of unconscious bias, promoting cultural competence, and fostering empathy and understanding among team members. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses and resources on diversity and inclusion that can be accessed remotely.

3. Create Inclusive Communication Channels:

Effective communication is crucial for remote teams, but it's essential to ensure that communication channels are inclusive and accessible to all team members. Encourage open dialogue and feedback, and create safe spaces for employees to express their opinions and share their experiences. Consider implementing tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom, which offer features such as real-time translation and closed captioning to accommodate diverse linguistic and communication needs.

4. Foster a Culture of Belonging:

Remote work can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection, especially for employees from underrepresented backgrounds. To counteract this, focus on fostering a culture of belonging within your remote team. Organize virtual team-building activities, diversity events, and affinity groups where employees can connect, share common interests, and support one another. Recognize and celebrate diversity through initiatives like Diversity Month or International Women's Day, Black History Month, and highlight the contributions of diverse team members.

According to Gregg Johnson, Invoca, one of the important remote-work principles we’ve adopted is the creation of shared rituals that help people connect as humans as well as co-workers.

5. Implement Flexible Policies:

Recognize that employees may have different needs and preferences when it comes to remote work arrangements. Implement flexible policies that accommodate diverse lifestyles, such as flexible hours, remote work allowances, or parental leave benefits. By offering options that support work-life balance and accommodate individual needs, you can attract and retain a more diverse workforce.

6. Measure and Evaluate Diversity Initiatives:

Finally, it's essential to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of your diversity initiatives regularly. Track metrics such as demographic representation, employee engagement, and retention rates to assess the impact of your efforts. Solicit feedback from employees through surveys or focus groups to identify areas for improvement and refine your strategies accordingly.

7. Provide Resources and Support:

Prioritize mental health and well-being by providing resources like employee assistance programs, counselling services, and wellness initiatives. These can significantly enhance the overall health and morale of remote teams.

Managers must be proactive in identifying potential concerns and addressing them promptly. By fostering a supportive environment that values mental and emotional wellness, organizations empower employees to thrive and contribute at their best, regardless of their physical location.

To put it succinctly, an inclusive workplace is one that strives to integrate diversity into its core values, having clear processes and policies in place to integrate and support everyone, regardless of their background or education.

The goal of an inclusive workplace is to ensure that all employees feel:

They have a voice
They belong
They are treated as a unique individual
They are valued

By prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in your remote team, you can create a more innovative, collaborative, and supportive work environment. Remember that fostering diversity is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, effort, and continuous improvement. By implementing these strategies and embracing diversity as a core value, you can build a remote team that thrives on the unique perspectives and experiences of its members.

At MADU, we're committed to helping companies build inclusive workplaces. Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on remote work, diversity, and technology trends.

‍