7 Strategies for Marketing Organizations to Cultivate a Culture of Inclusion

In the quest to foster a more inclusive environment within marketing organizations, we’ve gathered insights from industry experts, including marketing managers and CEOs. They share strategies ranging from encouraging open team communication to valuing diverse perspectives actively. Dive into these seven transformative approaches to building and sustaining a culture of inclusion in your marketing organization.

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Marketing Organizations: Encourage Open Team Communication

By encouraging open communication, marketing organizations succeed in creating and maintaining a culture of inclusion. Effective communication helps build trust and generally improves the relationship and productivity of the marketing team. When members are encouraged to come forward with their observations, ideas, and concerns about the team, they feel welcomed as members of that team because they have been made to understand that they are valued.

The truth is that communication within marketing organizations helps build trust in the workplace. When encouraged to communicate, members of the marketing team no longer feel the need to doubt their value in the organization because they are actively contributing to its success. Additionally, the empathy demonstrated in listening promotes an inclusive environment where both employees and businesses can thrive and continue to benefit from each other’s success.

Grace Chisom, Marketing Manager, Check CPS

Implement “Friday Learnings” Sessions

An effective strategy to create and maintain a culture of inclusion within marketing organizations is to implement a practice like “Friday Learnings.” By dedicating time each Friday for team members to share their knowledge or interests through short videos, you foster a sense of community and inclusivity.

This practice allows marketing organizations, regardless of their role or background, to contribute and be heard. It not only promotes continuous learning but also celebrates diversity of thought and expertise. Team members can share professional insights, personal interests, or unique skills, creating a well-rounded and inclusive learning environment. It’s a simple yet powerful way to encourage collaboration, respect, and appreciation among colleagues, ultimately enhancing the overall culture of the organization.

Jaya Iyer, Marketing Manager, Teranga Digital Marketing LTD

Prioritize Diverse Hiring Practices

To foster a culture of inclusion in marketing organizations, a crucial strategy is to prioritize diversity in hiring practices. Actively seek candidates from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This promotes a rich tapestry of ideas and viewpoints within the team.

Encouraging open communication and creating platforms for employees to share their unique insights ensures everyone feels heard and valued. This strategy not only boosts creativity but also aligns with a study by McKinsey, indicating that diverse teams correlate with better financial performance.

Perry Zheng, Founder and CEO, Pallas

Establish Inclusion Task Forces

As a marketing professional, establishing cross-functional diversity and inclusion marketing organizations is a highly effective strategy for promoting and maintaining a culture of inclusion. Rather than relying solely on HR initiatives, empower employees from various departments to collaborate on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

This approach ensures diverse voices contribute to shaping the organizational culture. Task forces can organize events, training sessions, and forums to facilitate open conversations about diversity and inclusion.

Also, they can play a pivotal role in assessing and improving policies and practices to ensure they align with the organization’s commitment to inclusivity. This collaborative and grassroots approach promotes a sense of ownership among employees and creates a more holistic and impactful culture of inclusion within the marketing organization.

Dhari Alabdulhadi, CTO and Founder, Ubuy Kuwait

Support Employee Resource Groups

To create and maintain a culture of inclusion within marketing organizations, one highly effective strategy is the establishment and support of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups formed around shared characteristics or interests, such as race, gender, ethnicity, or hobbies. Here’s how ERGs can drive inclusion:

First, encourage the formation of diverse ERGs and provide them with the necessary resources and leadership support. Make sure ERGs have open membership, allowing anyone to join regardless of their background, fostering cross-cultural understanding and allyship.

ERGs can organize educational and awareness programs, such as workshops and panel discussions, to educate the broader workforce about different perspectives and experiences. They also provide opportunities for employees to collaborate and network, breaking down silos within the organization.

Leadership engagement is crucial; encourage senior leaders to participate in or sponsor ERGs to show commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels. Allocate resources for ERGs and establish feedback mechanisms for members to share their experiences and suggestions.

ERGs can offer mentorship and career development opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups, and celebrate diversity by recognizing cultural holidays and heritage months. Align ERG initiatives with the organization’s business goals, and establish metrics to measure their impact while holding leaders accountable for progress.

Incorporating ERGs into the culture of marketing organizations not only promotes inclusivity but also enhances employee engagement, retention, and overall success by creating a more diverse and welcoming workplace.

Madison T, Ecommerce Manager, My Supplement Store

Foster Diversity for Innovative Campaigns

One effective way to foster a culture of inclusion in marketing organizations is through the power of diverse teams. Diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes for us; it’s about bringing together different perspectives, experiences, and ideas that can enrich your marketing strategy and make it more inclusive.

Take, for example, a campaign we once ran. The team was diverse, with members from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. One of our team members, who grew up in a small town, suggested we highlight local travel experiences in our campaign. This perspective was something we hadn’t considered before, and it expanded our reach to an entirely new audience.

By fostering a diverse team, you encourage a variety of viewpoints that can challenge the status quo and lead to innovative solutions. It also ensures that your content resonates with a wider audience, promoting acceptance and equality. So, invest in diversity within your organization. It’s an investment in better understanding your audience, creating more impactful campaigns, and ultimately, driving success.

Swena Kalra, Chief Marketing Officer, Scott & Yanling Media Inc.

Value Diverse Perspectives Actively

To create and maintain a culture of inclusion in marketing organizations, a key strategy is to actively seek and value diverse perspectives. We can achieve this by assembling diverse teams, not just in terms of demographics but also in terms of backgrounds, experiences, and thought processes. 

Encourage open dialogue and create safe spaces where all team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives. Regular training on topics like unconscious bias and cultural sensitivity can also help foster an inclusive environment. 

By embracing diversity in all its forms, marketing teams can produce more innovative, resonant, and inclusive campaigns, reflecting a wider range of consumer experiences and viewpoints. This approach not only enhances creativity but also strengthens the organization’s connection with diverse audiences.

Scott Baradell, CEO, Idea Grove

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