Inclusion, Inc.: How to Design Intersectional Equity into the Workplace

by Sara Sanford

Design systemic equity and diversity into your organization Inclusion, Inc: How to Design Intersectional Equity into the Workplace moves beyond having tough conversations to deliver an innovative and proven approach to organizational diversity. Eschewing the "mindset-first" approach taken by many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, author and GEN founder Sara Sanford focuses on countering the systemic barriers that abet inequity by adjusting "cultural levers" to facilitate organization-wide change.

Inclusion, Inc offers sustainable and cost-effective solutions that yield real, measurable returns, supported by:

Data from thousands of surveys and interviews with executive-level changemakers. Case studies from GEN-certified organizations. Innovations drawn directly from the latest in behavioral economics and design-centered thinking. Perfect for business leaders, human resources and DEI professionals, and scholars and students of business, Inclusion, Inc will also prove invaluable to underrepresented employees and their allies seeking real, evidence-based solutions to the dilemma they frequently face: assimilate, or leave.

Genres: Business

256 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2022

Reviews

[Stephen Billias · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Inclusion Inc. Sara Sanford has written an extraordinary analysis of the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, with concrete action steps for addressing the inequalities and biases embedded in our business culture (and the culture at large). The book is replete with fascinating illustrative stories from her own experience and those of others that make the book more than just a dry intellectual exercise. I learned many terms with which I was unfamiliar, such as “neurodivergent,” intersectionality,” and “underestimated employees.”

Sanford includes chapter summaries at the end of each section of the book that sum up her ideas and point the way toward reaching a merit-based workplace that would be fair to and inclusive of all. Having been on both sides of the hiring process in my business career, I particularly appreciated the sections in Part 2, Adjusting Cultural Levers, on interviewing, hiring, mentoring, and performance evaluations. The book made me reflect back on times when I, as a white male, may have been unconsciously biased despite my liberal leanings.

The best part of the book is that Sanford does not just identify issues but provides solid blueprints for making changes in corporate cultures, from better hiring practices, to ensuring equal pay for equal work, to workplace design. One example: Sanford points out that the much-touted change from cubicles to the open space office plan had a negative impact on women, making them more objects of attention and feeling like they were on display, that I would never have thought of before reading this book.

Inclusion Inc. is an insightful book with a forward-thinking perspective. I highly recommend it, especially as a map for business leader looking to make changes in their companies.

[Walker Beale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of books on DEI have been published in the last couple of years, but this one is different. Refreshingly, it’s not a rant. It’s a guide—really a bible—for implementing and maintaining a just work environment. The three sectional summaries make a great quick ref/handout. Decision makers, HR, MBA instructors, anyone responsible for an ethical workplace, should have this one in the bookcase.

[Vango · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much has been said about DEI in relation to the workplace, but Ms. Sanford has written and addressed this issue with true meaning and depth. She goes way beyond talk to a genuine concern for that person we sit next to at work. And, that is the gift that her book gives to every one of us.