Throughout the Workplace Diversity Project and all its elements, we aim to equip the leaders we work alongside with the skills and knowledge to be diversity and inclusion champions in their workplaces.
Leaders must be active and engaged participants in any workplace change process; they need to have the desire for the change to occur and keep not only their employees accountable but themselves too.
Within the Workplace Diversity Project, we are trying to change attitudes and cultural norms in the diversity and inclusion, mental health and wellbeing area. With any change management process, it is crucial that leaders are on board and have the desire to create change – why would employees care if their managers and leaders don’t? It is vital that the leaders we work with role model and uphold the values we are trying to instil in our workplace cultures – they need to set the standard in the workplace.
If we look at WorkSafe’s Work-Related Factors, it is evident that not participating in the change management process effectively can significantly impact workplace culture. Ineffective change management can lead to employee stress and anxiety, so it is crucial that leaders communicate effectively with their staff regarding any change, consult with them, and allow them to have input in how the change is occurring, which allows them to be active participants in the process.
An effective change management process also facilitates positive outcomes for other work-related factors, such as support and workplace relationships. Both encourage healthy communication and participation in decision-making processes between employees and employers, which further promotes a positive workplace culture.
It is important for leaders to champion the change we aim to create throughout the Workplace Diversity Project and ensure that the learnings we develop are reflected in our workplace leader’s actions.
If you would like further information on training and development for workplace leaders, please email us.
