In our last blog post, we suggested that non profits could potentially expand their reach by being more inclusive about who they choose to help, using the example of ACH and their decision to open their doors to LGBT youth. Inclusivity is not just about the people your clients serve however; it’s also about the staff and volunteers that they employ. Aside from reducing their Non Profit EPLI Risks, developing and maintaining an inclusive workforce could create a potential for that non profit to tap into new donor pools, improve their program delivery, and reach out to new clients or audiences.
How could your clients’ non profit organizations benefit from being more inclusive? Here are just a few advantages of an inclusiveness non profit work environment, as shared by The Denver Foundation:
- More job satisfaction
- Lower employee turnover
- Higher productivity and employee morale
- Improved problem solving skills
- Increase creativity, innovation, and organizational flexibility
- Improved quality of personnel through better recruitment and retention
- Decreased vulnerability to legal issues.
So what does an inclusive workplace look like?
A Non Profit that Creates an Open and Honest Work Culture. Without open communication among employees and their management, it’s easy for misunderstandings and claims of discrimination to occur. Effective workplace communication relies on feedback, constructive criticism and the acceptance of differences such as disabilities, religion, and even sexual orientation.
Equal Treatment No Matter the Employee. Does your clients’ non profit celebrate or recognize birthdays and anniversaries? If so, and there are employees who are gay or disabled, it’s important to celebrate their milestones just as you would these other employees.
Provide Accommodations. Does your client have an employee or volunteer who is hearing impaired? Non profit directors and/or managers should ensure that they speak clearly, slowly and directly. In addition, if this person requires accommodations such as reducing background noise when possible, or interpretation services, this should be provided.
Approaching the above mentioned factors with professionalism is key to promoting a more inclusive, productive workplace within a non profit organization. At Charity First, we understand the risks faced by non profits of all types, and we are committed to helping you place coverage for your non profit clients. Our mission is to provide coverages tailored to meet the unique needs of this market segment. Please contact us today to learn more at (800) 352-2761.