Employee Experiences Matter: New Catalyst Report Explores Daily Workplace Realities of Inclusion and Exclusion (Media Release)

Surprising New Insights Show Inclusion Reaps Benefits, While Exclusion Costs Leaders and Organizations

New York City, N.Y. (October 6, 2016)— Formal programs and policies aiming to cultivate inclusion must match up with the daily reality of employees, connecting the dots between what the organization says it is doing and what employees feel they are experiencing. In its new research report, The Day-to-Day Experiences of Workplace Inclusion and Exclusion (Day-to-Day), Catalyst reveals three critical insights about employee experiences: 1) inclusion and exclusion happen at the same time for many employees; 2) inclusion is difficult to grasp and define; 3) exclusion is powerful and easy to recall.

Through a cross-regional study, Day-to-Day captures the voices of employees from 42 organizations in five countries—Canada, China, India, Mexico, and the United States—to better understand their everyday experiences of workplace inclusion. The report’s findings point to a dilemma many leaders face: to both create an inclusive culture and root out exclusionary behaviors. Day-to-Day makes clear that leaders must be equipped with skills and resources to put the necessary systems in place to shift their work culture; it also offers actionable recommendations for doing so.

“Leaders must understand that diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. It is about making small shifts every day in our behaviors to help employees feel more included at work—amplifying their experiences of inclusion,” said Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst. “This report is particularly suited for any leader who wants to protect the well-being of their employees and team, by making inclusion visible, interrupting exclusionary behaviors, and managing the coexistence of inclusion and exclusion.”

In addition, Day-to-Day shares solutions for leaders and organizations, such as developing a shared definition of inclusion; visibly and explicitly rewarding inclusive behavior; paying attention to the human side of change, not just programs and policies; and monitoring progress and setbacks.

Day-to-Day is produced by the Catalyst Research Center for Corporate Practice. The Center, supported by The Coca-Cola Company, conducts research distinguishing sound talent management strategies from programmatic fads and documents best practices. This study is also part of the Culture Matters global series, focusing on how organizations can build inclusive cultures.

Learn more about The Day-to-Day of Experiences of Workplace Inclusion and Exclusion.

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About Catalyst

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 800 supporting organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women’s advancement with the Catalyst Award.