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    Research Brief 2019

    Creating a Culture of Inclusion Where People Soar

    Research Brief

    A recording for this session isn't published. Below is the BPI editorial brief — key takeaways, an in-depth summary, and FAQs drawn from the original session materials and the presenter's body of work.

    Presenter

    JK

    Judith H. Katz

    Description

    In this webinar, we’ll discuss the impact of Judging and the need to create a Joining mindset, as well as how to create a safe environment for inclusion through interaction safety. We will share 4 Conscious Actions for Inclusion that can be easily practiced and applied. Finally, we will discuss how inclusion is critical to building trust, collaboration, and improving bottom-line performance.

    Learning Points

    * Learn about a powerful mindset that is foundational for inclusive interactions—moving from Judging to Joining. * Explore how to assess and create greater interaction safety as a cornerstone for creating an inclusive culture. * Learn about 4 Conscious Actions for Inclusion that can easily be applied to build greater collaboration, teamwork and higher performance.

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.An inclusive culture is built on a foundational mindset of "joining" rather than "judging."
    • 2.Creating "interaction safety" is a cornerstone for fostering a truly inclusive work environment.
    • 3.Four specific "Conscious Actions for Inclusion" can be practically applied to improve teamwork and collaboration.
    • 4.Adopting a "joining" mindset is a powerful method for enabling more inclusive interactions.
    • 5.Inclusive practices directly contribute to building trust, enhancing collaboration, and improving business performance.

    Fostering Inclusion by Shifting Mindsets

    To create a workplace where people can thrive, organizations must move beyond simple diversity initiatives to build a true culture of inclusion. This webinar with Judith H. Katz explores the foundational mindset shift required for such a transformation: moving from a "Judging" to a "Joining" mindset. This shift is presented as a powerful prerequisite for enabling genuine, inclusive interactions among colleagues.

    The Role of Interaction Safety

    A key component of an inclusive culture is the establishment of "interaction safety." This concept is a cornerstone for creating an environment where employees feel safe to contribute, challenge ideas, and be their authentic selves. The session covers how to assess the level of interaction safety in your organization and take deliberate steps to create a more secure and welcoming atmosphere.

    Practical Steps for an Inclusive Culture

    The webinar provides actionable strategies for leaders and team members. Judith H. Katz introduces four "Conscious Actions for Inclusion." These practical behaviors are designed to be easily learned and applied in daily work, helping to foster greater collaboration, enhance teamwork, and ultimately drive higher performance.

    The Business Impact of Inclusion

    Ultimately, creating a culture of inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. The principles discussed in this session highlight the critical link between inclusion and key business outcomes. By building a foundation of trust and psychological safety, organizations can improve collaboration and positively impact their bottom-line performance.

    This session explores the foundational principles and practical applications for cultivating a truly inclusive organizational culture. Focusing on how to create environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work, it remains highly relevant for leaders aiming to build high-performing, equitable teams.

    What you'll learn

    • The strategic imperative of moving beyond diversity metrics to genuine inclusion.
    • Key elements necessary for employees to feel a sense of belonging and psychological safety.
    • How leadership behaviors directly impact the inclusivity of the workplace culture.
    • Practical steps for identifying and addressing systemic barriers to inclusion.
    • Methods for fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are sought out and integrated.

    Who this webinar is for

    • HR professionals and organizational development specialists.
    • Leaders at all levels, from front-line managers to senior executives.
    • Individuals committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations.
    • Anyone interested in creating a more equitable and productive work environment.

    Why it matters now

    In today's global and interconnected workforce, fostering an inclusive culture is no longer just a moral imperative, but a core business strategy. Organizations that prioritize inclusion experience higher levels of employee engagement, innovation, and retention. With evolving demographics and increased awareness of workplace dynamics, building cultures where every individual can soar is critical for sustained success and competitive advantage.

    How leaders can apply this

    Leaders can apply insights from this session by first assessing their current organizational culture from an inclusion lens, actively seeking feedback from diverse employee groups. Judith H. Katz emphasizes the importance of modelling inclusive behaviors, such as active listening, empathetic communication, and championing diverse voices. Leaders should commit to dismantling unconscious biases in processes like hiring, promotions, and project assignments, and consistently reinforce policies that promote equity and fairness. Implementing structured mentorship and sponsorship programs can also significantly help advance career pathways for underrepresented groups, fostering a truly inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

    About this session

    Key takeaways

    Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on workplace culture. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from Judith H. Katz's direct experience.

    Who this is for

    CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for workplace culture inside their organization.

    Why it matters now

    Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about workplace culture.

    How to apply it

    Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.

    Frequently asked questions

    Best Practice Institute

    Best Practice Institute is the research organization behind Most Loved Workplace® certification, the SPARK Model, the Love of Workplace Index™ (LOWI™), and The Workplace Report.

    The Workplace Report

    The Workplace Report is BPI's original workplace culture research and editorial briefing series for CEOs, CHROs, people leaders, talent leaders, and employer-brand teams. It turns BPI's 25 years of research, Most Loved Workplace® certification data, SPARK findings, and current workforce signals into practical analysis leaders can use.

    The report format includes executive summaries, research-backed articles, company examples, methodology notes, and practical implications for retention, hiring, culture, leadership, and employee experience. New research and analysis is published on an ongoing editorial cadence at /workplace-report.