As we reach the culmination of our series in honor of International Women’s Day’s theme, #InspireInclusion, this final installment builds upon the insights and reflections shared in Part 1: Personal Journeys to Enhancing Diversity and Part 2: The Impact of Allyship on Diversity.

In Part 3, we shift our focus to actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment. Drawing upon the collective wisdom of our HealthAxis staff, we provide guidance and advice for individuals and organizations alike, aimed at fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.

What advice would you offer to those aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

Consider everyone in everything and unlock the full potential of people coming together to achieve the best outcomes.

Diversity of thought, stemming from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, enriches discussions and fuels innovation. When everyone feels valued and respected, they are more likely to contribute their unique insights and ideas, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. Companies see improved financial performance, are better able to attract and retain top talent, and adapt to changing market demand.

Embracing inclusivity and equity is a strategic business decision that drives innovation, growth, and success. By harnessing the power of diversity, organizations can create a more vibrant, dynamic, and resilient workplace that benefits everyone involved.

Listening is key. If people feel listened to, then they are more likely to share and contribute. It starts with listening and continues by supporting one another’s opinions with a positive, professional, and respectful attitude.

Leading with empathy is paramount; it’s about actively listening, genuinely understanding diverse experiences, and acknowledging unique challenges. This approach not only cultivates a culture of respect and belonging but also encourages a workplace where every individual feels valued. From my perspective, empathy is the cornerstone of inclusivity, ensuring that our diverse voices contribute to innovation and collective success. I take immense pride in being part of an organization that not only talks the talk but walks the walk when it comes to fostering an environment where every individual is seen, heard, and valued.

To foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment, educate yourself about diversity issues, listen to diverse perspectives, lead by example, advocate for change, foster a culture of belonging, provide resources and support, and hold yourself and others accountable for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. By taking these steps, you can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives, leading to greater innovation and success.

Celebrate the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of your employees. This can help to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for diversity. Ensure that all employees have equal access to opportunities for growth and advancement. This includes providing necessary training and resources.

Be open to learning, understanding, and embracing cultural diversities.  We have so much to learn as individuals and leaders.  The best tool for this growth is through our most important resource, which is people.

Always seek another person’s opinion on a situation, we don’t have to all agree but we all need to have a safe place to share our voice. We grow by learning from each other.

As our blog series celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month comes to a close, we are reminded that the journey toward inclusivity and equity is ongoing. The advice and strategies shared by our HealthAxis team provide a roadmap for action, but it is up to each of us to bring these practices to life.

Let’s commit to #InspireInclusion every day, making our workplace and community spaces where diversity is not just welcomed but cherished. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

As we continue celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) and Women’s History Month under the banner of this year’s IWD theme, #InspireInclusion, we delve deeper into the fabric of inclusivity with Part 2 of our three-part blog series.

Following the personal reflections and contributions explored in Part 1: Personal Journeys to Enhancing Diversity, this installment shifts focus to the cornerstone of inclusivity—allyship. Here, HealthAxis team members share their insights on the crucial role of allyship in promoting diversity and empowerment within our organization.

By emphasizing the transformative power of allies in supporting, understanding, and advocating for each other, we aim to uncover how these actions contribute to a workplace environment where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but thrive.

How crucial is allyship for inclusivity, particularly in empowering diverse perspectives?

Allies can contribute to creating environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. This can encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives.

Allyship is absolutely crucial for inclusivity, especially in empowering diverse perspectives. Allies play a vital role in advocating for and supporting individuals from marginalized or underrepresented groups. They use their influence to amplify diverse voices, challenge systemic barriers, and create more equitable opportunities. By actively listening, learning, and taking meaningful action, allies help foster a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected. Additionally, allyship helps to break down stereotypes, promote understanding, and build bridges across differences, ultimately leading to greater innovation, creativity, and collaboration within organizations and society as a whole.

To me, allyship is having one another’s backs. Building trust amongst the team to speak freely, knowing that your managers will listen and have your back and that your team has your interests at heart, is empowering for diverse perspectives. Our teammates must know that it’s safe to state an opinion, even if you are the only one with that opinion, and that it will be listened to and considered to foster allyship. The inclusivity and acceptance of diverse perspectives are fostered by allyship.

I started my career in telecom, which at the time was a very male-dominated industry. I was one of the few women leaders in many organizations, time over time. I was fortunate to have female and male allies who took the time and effort to give me a seat at the table. I see it as a gift that I pay forward every time I can; to open doors for others and to hold the door open for those who come after us. Allyship should not be something we “do.” It’s a gift we pass on to others.

To me, allyship expands our growth as individuals. Allyship should be included in our everyday activities, both personally and professionally. Embracing allyship creates an inclusive culture that benefits both individuals and businesses.

I believe in asking each member of the group for their insight. Every member has a unique perspective based on their individual journey.

In the realm of inclusivity, allyship is indispensable, especially for amplifying diverse perspectives. True allyship transcends passive support, demanding proactive efforts to understand, champion, and elevate underrepresented voices. By actively engaging in allyship, we not only contribute to a more inclusive workplace but also foster an environment where every voice is valued and heard, driving positive change and innovation.

The stories and insights shared by our team members illuminate the critical role of allyship in building a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Allyship is not just about intentions but actions that make a real difference. As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons of allyship into our daily practices, constantly seeking ways to support and uplift each other. Stay tuned for our final installment, where we will offer practical advice for fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace, drawing from the collective wisdom of our HealthAxis community.

Throughout March, HealthAxis joins the global celebration of Women’s History Month and the powerful theme of International Women’s Day: #InspireInclusion. In this three-part blog series, we’ll be featuring the voices of our incredible team members, exploring their experiences and perspectives on fostering a truly inclusive and diverse work environment aligned with the #InspireInclusion theme.

This three-part series seeks to celebrate and encourage actionable insights into fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
In this first installment, we delve into the personal journeys and practices of our team.

In your role at HealthAxis, how do you contribute to enhancing a culture of inclusion and diversity, drawing from your own experiences or personal values?

One of the things I enjoy about working at HealthAxis is the culture of inclusion and diversity. We are lucky to have a diverse staff that is listened to and valued. What I’ve learned over the last 30 years of experience working as a member of a team is that everyone on a team has their own individual strengths and viewpoints to bring to the table. If we allow everyone’s thoughts and opinions to be heard, we are much stronger as a combined team than as an individual. Different people will see a problem from a different perspective. Some will notice details that others will not. These diverse perspectives create a more comprehensive team to tackle problems. Some may be analytical, some creative, some supportive, and some persuasive. In my role as a Configuration Manager at HealthAxis, I’ve spent time getting to know the individuals on the Configuration Team, as well as leaders from around the company. Who has strength in analytics? Customer service? Product knowledge? Historical knowledge of the customers? And so on. The strength of a team shores up one person’s weakness with another person’s strength. We share our expertise, historical knowledge, or talent with one another, and with our combined strengths, we can tackle complex problems and create solutions better together!

In efforts to keep things interesting, as well as educational, during our daily meeting, an observance of the day along with a visual, brief explanation, quote, or message is announced and emailed. (i.e. “Pay a Compliment” Day) Some observances acknowledged and celebrated cultural differences, others led to open conversation, and a few encouraged acts of participation. Colleagues are encouraged to share their personal interests and/or experiences on the topic, bringing diversity into discussions. This simple addition to our day grants us the option and opportunity to express ourselves, be included, and feel valued based on our individuality.

I treat all users with equal respect and consideration, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.

At HealthAxis, my leadership roles provide me with the opportunity to interact with individuals from many backgrounds. I appreciate learning more about the people I interact with and hearing their stories. Everyone has a story, and hearing this from others allows us to journey into cultures and backgrounds we may not otherwise see and experience firsthand. Actively listening and engaging in these conversations expands my personal and professional growth.

It’s my personal belief that diversity makes us stronger. When each person brings their own skills and perspectives to the table, we solve problems faster, we are more creative and thoughtful in our actions and we gain from the richness of each other’s experiences. I see my role twofold: bringing visibility to the value of diversity at each and every level in the company and to support my team and the organization in making courageous decisions that value diversity in all its forms.

I believe all voices should be heard, and I provide a safe place for all my team members to voice their opinions. Kindness wins every day.

Studies have shown time and time again that the best companies in business performance, employee happiness, and customer satisfaction are those that have the most diverse workforces at all levels of the organization. Throughout my career, I have seen a diversified workforce in action and have had the privilege to work alongside some of the brightest and most talented women in our industry. These women have challenged me and have no doubt made me a better leader, business partner, and person in everyday life.

As Vice President of People Operations, I spearhead efforts to cultivate a culture of inclusion and diversity by implementing inclusive policies, developing training, fostering recruitment and retention strategies that prioritize diversity, supporting employee feedback, advocating for inclusive leadership development, promoting transparent communication, and continuously evaluating and improving our people initiatives. Through these efforts, I aim to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives, driving innovation and organizational success.

At HealthAxis, my marketing role allows me to weave inclusion and diversity into our brand’s narrative, reflecting the rich tapestry of our community. By intentionally showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences, we not only fuel creativity and innovation but also ensure our marketing strategies resonate broadly. Drawing from my personal journey within diverse teams, I’ve seen firsthand how embracing varied viewpoints leads to richer insights and groundbreaking solutions, ultimately strengthening our connection with our audience and reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive culture.

Our journey through the narratives of HealthAxis team members underscores the significance of individual contributions to our collective culture of inclusion and diversity. As we continue to learn from these personal stories, we are reminded of the power of our actions and commitments in shaping an inclusive workplace. Join us in our next post as we explore the vital role of allyship in amplifying diverse perspectives and empowering every member of our community.