Belonging & Inclusive Culture Policy Template

This document is a template to support you in crafting a custom inclusive belonging policy for your company.  A written statement can help you successfully engage your workforce on the topics of inclusion, belonging, and culture. We welcome you to edit and change as you see fit to best match your company’s values and ethos as you build a diverse, equitable and accessible culture that works for all. The template is designed to be adaptable to various organizational sizes and industries. 

Your Company Name] Inclusion and Belonging Policy

Purpose 

This policy outlines our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We aim to foster an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes a strong sense of belonging.

Actionable Prompt: Insert your company’s mission and explain how inclusion and belonging align with it. Consider describing your overall vision for fostering diversity and inclusion.

1. At {Insert Company Name}, we are dedicated to building a team that embodies our vision and values. Our hiring process is merit-based, yet we are steadfast in providing equal opportunities to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes differences in race, class, veteran status, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and more. We firmly believe that differing opinions and diverse talent are essential to our success.

1. Our stance on inclusive belonging is a reflection of {Insert Company Name}'s long-term commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging, and accessibility, rather than a reactive measure. We deeply value diverse perspectives and actively encourage our teams to include members from a variety of backgrounds.

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders associated with [Your Company Name]. It provides guidelines for behavior and practices that support inclusion at all levels.

Actionable Prompt: Clearly define who this policy affects within your organization. 

3. Definitions

{Insert Company Name} definitions and commitment to Inclusive Belonging is to lead with inclusion and diversity principles to achieve a commitment to the following principles:

• Representation and Acceptance: We will ensure that our team includes individuals representing a wide cross-section of society. We also focus on the emotional experience of being accepted and valued, leading to increased engagement and performance.

• Fairness and Opportunity: We will create programs and processes that are unbiased, impartial and provide equal opportunities for all based on merit.

• Positive Culture: We will build a culture where employees feel valued, respected, and engaged. It encourages open communication, collaboration, and trust, supporting growth and well-being. This culture makes a workplace that works for all, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

• Equity and Accessibility: We are committed to removing barriers that hinder access to opportunities and resources within the workplace. We strive to cultivate an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute fully and where diversity in all its forms is not only accepted but actively embraced.

4. Policy Statement 

{Insert Company Name} is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that embraces diverse perspectives. We strive to eliminate barriers to participation and ensure there is access to opportunities for all employees.

Actionable Prompt: Reiterate your company's commitment to inclusion & diversity, and outline specific goals you hope to achieve with this policy.

5. Responsibilities

• Leadership: Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives. Actionable Prompt: Provide examples of how leadership will model inclusive behavior.

• Managers: Implement inclusive practices and address disparities. Actionable Prompt: Outline the specific expectations for managers in promoting an inclusive environment.

• Employees: Engage in inclusive behavior and contribute positively to the culture. Actionable Prompt: Encourage employees to participate actively in inclusion efforts and describe how they can contribute.

6. Procedures

• Training: Regular diversity and unconscious bias training for all employees. Actionable Prompt: Schedule regular training sessions and encourage participation across all levels.

• Feedback: Establish mechanisms for gathering insights on inclusion practices and areas for improvement. Actionable Prompt: Create a feedback system and encourage anonymous submissions.

• Hiring Practices: Ensure a diverse pipeline, unbiased job descriptions, and equal access to development opportunities. Actionable Prompt: Detail steps for creating diverse candidate pools and eliminating bias in the hiring process.

7. Focus and Initiatives: Three Pillars for Success

• Create an Inclusive Culture: Celebrate diversity through monthly events and platforms for anonymous feedback.

• Implement Comprehensive Policies: Track diversity metrics, audit job descriptions, and maintain a structured interview process.

• Develop Informed and Empathetic Management Practices: Provide mentorship programs, conduct disparate impact analyses, and regularly review compensation for equity.

• Actionable Prompt: Create your three specific pillars, implement the programs and regularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure they align with I&D goals. 

8. Guardrails

Actionable Prompt: Establish clear boundaries for your inclusivity efforts to ensure they align with your company’s values and mission. Examples: 

• Diversity is inclusive of all backgrounds and identities.

• Avoid activism unrelated to our mission.

• Maintain performance standards without bias.

• Ensure consistency in our approach across all teams.

9. Review and Evaluation 

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Updates will be made as needed to reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.