What does inclusivity feel like? Not what it looks like, but can you feel it?

According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, 94% of workers said it is very or somewhat important that they feel a sense of belonging in their workplace.

As a half-Japanese, half-Chinese Asian American female executive creative director, I learned that creating open, safe and trust-based teams comes from being brave and vulnerable myself. Embracing my culture allows everyone to feel comfortable celebrating their own culture. It allows them to share their own heritage, customs and voices. And it allows them to feel more seen, appreciated and included.

The importance of cultural vulnerability

Prior to the 2000s, professionalism at work meant leaving who you are and where you come from (culturally, personally, spiritually) at the door. When we felt happy about Chinese New Year, Juneteenth, Passover, Pride Month, Holi, MLK Day, Ramadan, Easter and so on, we stayed quiet. We left it outside.

When leadership steps outside the employee handbook and incorporates their own culture inside of work, it gives others the bravery and permission to step up and share theirs. These initiatives are not HR-led; they are small acts that make big impressions to others who feel they must hide.

Leadership in cultural vulnerability is imaginative and brave. Demonstrating our own culture lets others know their culture is welcome, too. People hide who they are and where they’re from until they see it’s not only OK to contribute, but that it’s fun to celebrate and share with others.

Celebrate, don’t tokenize

Acts of inclusivity can increase employee retention and inspire different cultures within the workspace that can be seen and felt throughout your organization.

Here are three examples of workplace moments when one can celebrate one’s culture while celebrating colleagues:

Career milestones

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