Moving beyond corporate statements on diversity to build a truly inclusive environment for staff

Purpose This paper aims to analyse how leaders can foster inclusive environments within their companies that support a diversity of employees. The piece discusses the rise of “cancel culture”, arguing that protecting against cultural misstep is increasingly important due to the rise of social media. Design/methodology/approach The piece uses experience in senior leadership, as well as personal lived experience of diversity and inclusion in the workplace to draw conclusions around how DE&I policies can be improved. Findings It is essential that senior leaders and HR teams build a strong diversity strategy that accounts for the lived experiences of staff, and pushes for real, concrete change in the workplace. Originality/value Conversely to the actions of many large corporations, here the author posits that creating an external image centred around diversity and inclusion is not enough to create a psychologically secure environment for employees.