What if we swapped “inclusion” for “openness”?

Companies are increasingly active in promoting their Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. Such initiatives benefit both the individuals within the company, as well as the business itself.

But what is inclusion? And what does it really mean for businesses today?

“Inclusion” refers to closing in on a defined space. But following the aftermath of the pandemic, we’re increasingly aware of just how many identity dimensions we all have. This multidimensionality has broken down the boundaries of space and time. It’s also broken down office and house walls as many of us have been working from home. That’s why it’s time to substitute the word “inclusion” with “opening”.

Through self-discovery and sharing reflections with others, as well as breaking down past taboos, people become more aware of their identity dimensions and characteristics. This makes them more effective at work, as well as more engaged and happier. And companies can have larger maps available to them. By looking at the bigger picture of diversity and complexity, companies can benefit from this “opening” at both in terms of individual and collective performance.

It’s what Riccarda Zezza, CEO at Lifeed, talked about in the round table Organizations for people and people for organizations? It was held in honour of the 50th AIDP National Congress. A number of executives took part, including Michele Viale, General Director at Alstom Italy and Switzerland, Marco Piccolo CEO at Reynaldi, CSR Delegate at Confindustria Piemonte and Elena Caffarena Senior Partner at Praxi.

A new relationship between work and life

During the session, it became evident that people’s and companies’ interests have collided. That’s why the organizational structures and the people that make them up are so important. By revealing the differences between people (and changing our behaviour as intermediaries) we can achieve better results.

On the other hand, the Taylor model no longer makes sense in our society. Time spent at work needs to be valued within the context of life. Companies are called to take responsibility for their territory, supporting people and seeing them for all they are, aside from their working roles. In other words: with humanity.