Being inclusive ensures everyone feels valued and respected. Inclusive business practices are actions taken by companies to involve people from different backgrounds, cultures, genders, and abilities.
For the Gitga’at Development Corporation (GDC), inclusive business practices are crucial to building strong, lasting partnerships and uplifting the Gitga’at community.
Why Do Inclusive Business Practices Matter?
Inclusive practices benefit both people and organizations. They ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate and succeed. Businesses that include more voices get more creative solutions and different perspectives. For the Gitga’at community, this means creating opportunities that respect and reflect Gitga’at values, skills, and knowledge.
Additionally, research shows that inclusive businesses often have better gains and performance. Employees in these workplaces tend to be happier and more engaged, which can lead to lower turnover. Inclusion creates a stable, welcoming workplace where people want to stay and grow.
How Can Businesses Implement Inclusive Practices?
There are several ways businesses can include inclusive practices:
Listen and learn: Make sure everyone’s voice is heard, especially from underrepresented groups. You can do this through surveys, meetings, or informal conversations. For example, GDC has an open-door policy for Gitga’at members and partners to connect with us about their opinions, ideas, and concerns.
Offer training: Provide workshops or training sessions on cultural awareness and sensitivity. This helps employees and partners understand different perspectives and work together better.
Hire diversely: Aim to bring people from different backgrounds into the team, which creates a workplace filled with different ideas and experiences.
Develop clear policies: Have guidelines supporting inclusive behaviour and ensure everyone knows the rules and expectations. When we enter a joint venture (JV) partnership, it’s important to us that there are guidelines in place that outline responsibilities around inclusion.
Focus on accessibility: Make sure workplaces and events are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
GDC has always aimed to be a leader in inclusivity by encouraging its joint venture partners to adopt these inclusive approaches.
GDC and Inclusive Business Practices
GDC’s work is deeply connected to the community. Using inclusive practices, GDC ensures that projects and partnerships benefit and bring value to the Gitga’at people. These practices help create jobs, build skills, and generate local opportunities.
GDC looks for prospective partners who respect the Gitga’at way of life and ensure opportunities are available to Gitga’at members. This requirement helps JV partners understand the values that guide GDC.
Inclusive practices also support long-term relationships. When joint venture partners follow these principles, they respect the Gitga’at community and its traditions.
The Importance of Inclusivity for GDC and Its Partners
Inclusive business practices are essential for building strong and successful partnerships. They help create workplaces where everyone feels valued and brings out the best in teams. For GDC and its partners, these practices are an important part of working together to build a future that benefits all.
Comments