Ensuring inclusive communication
Seek to create a supportive and effective communication environment where information is shared in a way that everybody can understand.
Communication − the process of sharing information, ideas and feelings − can play a central role in building workplace inclusivity. When communication is inclusive, all employees, regardless of background or identity, feel welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully.
What is inclusive communication?
Inclusive communication means sharing information in a way that everyone can understand, regardless of their background, ability, or preferred communication style. It involves recognising that people understand and express themselves differently and tailoring communication to meet those diverse needs. This includes using clear language, considering various communication modes (written, spoken, visual), and being mindful of potential barriers that may prevent certain individuals from engaging effectively.
Key elements of inclusive communication are:
Being aware of different cultural communication styles and needs
Being aware of different cultural communication styles and needs
Being aware of different cultural communication styles and needs
Providing accommodations like captions, alt text, or sign language interpreters
Providing accommodations like captions, alt text, or sign language interpreters
Providing accommodations like captions, alt text, or sign language interpreters
Planning carefully when communicating visually (e.g. Power Point presentation):
Planning carefully when communicating visually (e.g. Power Point presentation):
Planning carefully when communicating visually (e.g. Power Point presentation):
Ensure text on slides is at least 18pt.
Ensure text on slides is at least 18pt.
Ensure text on slides is at least 18pt.
Ensure there is a strong colour contrast between the background and text. Keep in mind some attendees may be red/green colour blind.
Ensure there is a strong colour contrast between the background and text. Keep in mind some attendees may be red/green colour blind.
Ensure there is a strong colour contrast between the background and text. Keep in mind some attendees may be red/green colour blind.
Allow enough time for everyone to read the slides. Keep in mind that some attendees may have hidden disabilities or be neurodiverse and need more time.
Allow enough time for everyone to read the slides. Keep in mind that some attendees may have hidden disabilities or be neurodiverse and need more time.
Allow enough time for everyone to read the slides. Keep in mind that some attendees may have hidden disabilities or be neurodiverse and need more time.
Text should not overlay an image. If necessary, ensure the colour contrast between the text and image is strong.
Text should not overlay an image. If necessary, ensure the colour contrast between the text and image is strong.
Text should not overlay an image. If necessary, ensure the colour contrast between the text and image is strong.
Describe images used on slides and / or include a caption that describes the image (at least 18pt).
Describe images used on slides and / or include a caption that describes the image (at least 18pt).
Describe images used on slides and / or include a caption that describes the image (at least 18pt).
Using respectful, non-discriminatory and inclusive language
Using respectful, non-discriminatory and inclusive language
Using respectful, non-discriminatory and inclusive language
Giving employees a voice and ensuring diverse voices are actively heard
Giving employees a voice and ensuring diverse voices are actively heard
Giving employees a voice and ensuring diverse voices are actively heard
Being open to different perspectives and ideas
Being open to different perspectives and ideas
Being open to different perspectives and ideas
The benefits of inclusive communication
Attract and retain diverse talent
Employees want to feel welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate. Inclusive communication practices promote a sense of belonging.
Attract and retain diverse talent
Employees want to feel welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate. Inclusive communication practices promote a sense of belonging.
Attract and retain diverse talent
Employees want to feel welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate. Inclusive communication practices promote a sense of belonging.
Enhances employee engagement and satisfaction
Inclusion is a major driver of employee engagement, and when employees feel their voices are heard and valued they have greater job satisfaction.
Enhances employee engagement and satisfaction
Inclusion is a major driver of employee engagement, and when employees feel their voices are heard and valued they have greater job satisfaction.
Enhances employee engagement and satisfaction
Inclusion is a major driver of employee engagement, and when employees feel their voices are heard and valued they have greater job satisfaction.
Drives innovation and creativity
Inclusive communication empowers employees to share unique perspectives and challenge assumptions.
Drives innovation and creativity
Inclusive communication empowers employees to share unique perspectives and challenge assumptions.
Drives innovation and creativity
Inclusive communication empowers employees to share unique perspectives and challenge assumptions.
Enhances reputation and brand image
Companies known for inclusive communication develop reputations as progressive, ethical organisations. Consumers and recruits increasingly support brands that reflect their values around inclusion.
Enhances reputation and brand image
Companies known for inclusive communication develop reputations as progressive, ethical organisations. Consumers and recruits increasingly support brands that reflect their values around inclusion.
Enhances reputation and brand image
Companies known for inclusive communication develop reputations as progressive, ethical organisations. Consumers and recruits increasingly support brands that reflect their values around inclusion.
Inclusive language
Making communication more inclusive starts with the spoken and written word. The language we use is a powerful tool that can help shift workplace attitudes and behaviours, impact the experience of others, and help employees feel included.
Here are some top tips to making your language more inclusive:
DO NOT use language that:
Reinforces stereotypes or derogatory terms
Reinforces stereotypes or derogatory terms
Reinforces stereotypes or derogatory terms
Discriminates against individuals or groups of people
Discriminates against individuals or groups of people
Discriminates against individuals or groups of people
Patronises or trivialises groups of people
Patronises or trivialises groups of people
Patronises or trivialises groups of people
Excludes certain groups of people (e.g. assuming the white population is the norm)
Excludes certain groups of people (e.g. assuming the white population is the norm)
Excludes certain groups of people (e.g. assuming the white population is the norm)
Causes discomfort or offence
Causes discomfort or offence
Causes discomfort or offence
DO use language that:
Is easy to understand. For example, use plain English and avoid jargon and technical terms whenever possible
Is easy to understand. For example, use plain English and avoid jargon and technical terms whenever possible
Is easy to understand. For example, use plain English and avoid jargon and technical terms whenever possible
Is concise. Use short words, sentences and paragraphs whenever possible
Is concise. Use short words, sentences and paragraphs whenever possible
Is concise. Use short words, sentences and paragraphs whenever possible
Acknowledges diversity and conveys respect to all people
Acknowledges diversity and conveys respect to all people
Acknowledges diversity and conveys respect to all people
Challenges biases (conscious and unconscious). For example, avoid masculine pronouns when referring to mixed-gender groups
Challenges biases (conscious and unconscious). For example, avoid masculine pronouns when referring to mixed-gender groups
Challenges biases (conscious and unconscious). For example, avoid masculine pronouns when referring to mixed-gender groups
Avoids assumptions that may exclude people
Avoids assumptions that may exclude people
Avoids assumptions that may exclude people
Respects people’s privacy to share information about themselves if and when they feel comfortable to do so
Respects people’s privacy to share information about themselves if and when they feel comfortable to do so
Respects people’s privacy to share information about themselves if and when they feel comfortable to do so
What if you get it wrong?
It is okay to make mistakes. Apologise, correct what you have said, learn from the mistake, and work to communicate more inclusively next time.
The toolkit:
Inclusive practice
Our toolkit will help you start your journey towards inclusion, developing a respectful and supportive working environment
The toolkit:
Inclusive practice
Our toolkit will help you start your journey towards inclusion, developing a respectful and supportive working environment
The toolkit:
Inclusive practice
Our toolkit will help you start your journey towards inclusion, developing a respectful and supportive working environment
Explore more toolkits
Explore our toolkits
Explore our toolkits
© 2025 Halsden Centre Limited. A company registered in England & Wales No 15730726
© 2025 Halsden Centre Limited. A company registered in England & Wales No 15730726
© 2025 Halsden Centre Limited. A company registered in England & Wales No 15730726