Inclusive workplaces are happier, more motivated and productive – and ultimately deliver better services for their citizens.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the offices of most organisations, including those of local government, were not designed to maximise the talent of the full diversity of their workforce. Now is the moment for councils to consciously imagine and create workplaces that enable a greater range of people to flourish. In a diverse and multicultural city like London, where local authorities are large local employers, this is even more important.
Creating inclusive workplaces will partly involve building on the shift to hybrid working, understanding what positive trends to keep and identifying any challenges that require solutions. Beyond this, deeper reflection might be required to consider how organisations can truly bring out the best in their employees (both current and future).