Building a Strong Foundation for DEI How Mentorship Supports the 7 Pillars of Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become essential components of successful businesses The goal of DEI is to create a work environment where every employee feels seen, heard, safe, welcomed, accepted, and appreciated when it comes to accommodating individuals with different abilities and backgrounds.

As an important part of DEI planning, mentorship can also help build partnerships and collaborations between individuals and organizations Mentors can help mentees identify potential partners and facilitate introductions, leading to mutually beneficial relationships

By focusing on the seven pillars of inclusion which are Choice, Access, Attitude, Community, Partnerships, Opportunities, and Communication, business owners can take meaningful steps towards making their workplaces more welcoming and supportive for employees who need more mentorship and training.

For this conversation, we will focus primarily on how mentorship adds value to a company's DEI policies and plans Let's take a closer look at each of these pillars:

1. Choice

Offering employees a sense of choice is crucial to creating an inclusive workplace. Business owners can start by providing flexible work hours and locations that accommodate a variety of individual needs.

This can include the option to work from home, adjusted start and end times, and part-time schedules

Employers can also offer a variety of benefits and incentives to support employees' choices, such as wellness programs, mental health support, and career development opportunities.

Mentorship provides individuals with the opportunity to choose their own path and make informed decisions about their career development Mentors can offer guidance, support, and insights that help mentees make informed choices about their professional aspirations

2. Access

Ensuring that employees have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to do their jobs is key to creating an inclusive workplace. Small business owners can make sure their workplaces are accessible to employees with disabilities by providing accommodations like wheelchair ramps, braille signage, and assistive technology Employers can also provide training on accessibility and sensitivity to make sure all employees understand the importance of creating an inclusive workplace

Mentorship can help remove barriers and provide access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach Mentors can leverage their networks and connections to open doors and create opportunities for their mentees.

3. Attitude

Creating an inclusive workplace requires an attitude of respect and openness towards all employees Small business owners can cultivate this attitude by fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and acceptance. This can include holding regular team-building activities and encouraging open and honest communication between employees.

Employers can also provide training on unconscious bias and diversity awareness to help employees develop more positive attitudes towards their colleagues

Mentorship can help shape attitudes and beliefs about diversity and inclusion Mentors can model inclusive behavior and challenge mentees' assumptions and biases, helping them develop a more open and accepting mindset.

4. Community

Creating a sense of community within the workplace is essential for employees to feel safe, welcomed, and accepted

Business owners can foster this by creating opportunities for employees to connect and build relationships with one another, such as social events and teambuilding activities or company retreats

Employers can also encourage employees to share their experiences and perspectives, providing a forum for dialogue and mutual understanding.