How do you change behaviours in a small workplace?

Providing a 'fair go' is part of Australia's cultural DNA, but it is also good for business – if you acknowledge the growing body of evidence from high-profile consulting firms like McKinsey and Deloitte.

The consensus from these groups is that companies who demonstrate inclusion through racial, ethnic and gender diversity, to name a few, perform better.

But while the commercial benefits of a diverse workforce have been proven for large organisations (who can dedicate sizeable budgets to diversity and inclusion programs), are the same benefits true for small businesses with a handful of staff?

According to Sarah Platts, Director of leadership and communication consultancy Catalyst, the answer is yes.

"Small business owners are recognising the commercial opportunity in diversity. When an employee can bring their whole self to the workplace, they will feel more engaged and will be more effective in their work".

It's about leading by example through important changes in everyday behaviour.

"The benefits of this engagement are amplified in a small business, where people often play multiple, critical roles in driving business performance."

The problem for small business owners, Platts says, is simply knowing where to start on their diversity journey.

"The worst thing you can do is appoint the ‘Diversity Police’, she says. "Diversity isn’t about policing behaviour. It is about being human, and allowing others to be human, too."

According to Platts, the two biggest barriers to achieving a diverse workforce are the unconscious bias at play and lack of inclusive behavior.

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