Workplaces are thriving, innovating, and becoming successful! When it comes to inclusivity, it is not just a buzzword but an actionable component in the rapidly evolving landscape.

FAANG companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google) are setting standards for the world by creating inclusive workplaces regardless of their background.

Let us look at some of the best practices that these companies are implementing to foster a culture of inclusivity and openness for other organizations to follow and become successful in the ever-changing corporate world.

• Diverse Determination Driving Development

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) make up the entire company board, driving innovation and determination to eliminate bias in the hiring processes. Through standard questions, interviews and employing tools to anonymize applications of the applications, FAANG companies purely focus on the skills and experiences to drive development in the organizations.

Diversification in terms of gender, ethnicity, and role within the company: FAANG companies have always taken a step ahead right from their initial screening processes.

How can you get that edge?

You can seek inclusive employers with a strong track record of diversification and inclusion. DEI reports company reviews, employee reviews, star ratings, public commitments, and CSR practices constitute inclusivity factors for any company. You must ask questions about such practices and support systems to understand how the company will benefit you in realizing your future endeavours.

• Continuous Learning, Development, and Evolution

Do you know that?

At Apple, the overall representation of women has grown from 31% in 2014 to 38% in 2020. Women LEAD, and Women LEAP programs are aimed by Facebook to bolster new generation female leaders, indicating an equal workforce at their organization. Even Google’s commitment to racial equality has made progress from the year 2020, leading to consistent support for Black+ Google employees throughout their careers.

But why? Why does all this matter?

By investing heavily in training programs, leadership programs, gender-based workshops, and e-learning platforms, FAANG companies provide continuous learning opportunities showcasing inclusivity to keep DEI at the forefront. Not only does it help them measure the effectiveness of the programs, but it also helps them adjust based on real-time feedback and requirements to make the changes effectively.

How can you take an advantage?

Don’t wait and seek collaboration from diverse colleagues, whether in your current organization or a project at your school. By being mindful of cultural sensitivities, you can enhance your communication and efficiently attend workshops, discussions, and events at the global level. Well-learned individuals have a better chance of landing a job at one of the FAANG companies and advocating for the needs of diverse user groups. Experience is the key to achieving the most!

• Inclusive Company Policies Pave the Way for an Inclusive Workforce

Comprehensive policies at FAANG companies, like flexible working hours, parental leaves, remote working options and easy access to resources, are designed with inclusivity in mind. They have a robust reporting and support system built, clearly stating policies against harassment and discrimination of any kind at the organization. 

As a part of the hiring culture in FAANG companies, employees are strategically educated about unconscious bias, inclusive communications, and microaggressions. By continuously evaluating the impact of these strategies through feedback, diverse viewpoints of the groups are encouraged.

Netflix is a company that reflects the world with its inclusive policies. It employs people from multiple countries across the globe who work hard to crack the interview and then sustain themselves as a part of a diverse team. However, only by championing diversity and inclusion within its offerings, employment settings, and policies is the company able to amplify diverse voices both in front and behind the camera.

What did you learn from this?

By active listening, active participation, speaking up, and becoming an ally, you can learn to become inclusive within yourself and your team. 

By cultivating the art of mindfulness and creating visual representations of the problems at hand, you can visualize relationships. Unearthing latent insights and unconventional perspectives unfold a series of meticulously choreographed movements. For example, learning new skills can showcase creativity in the organization, and this can be used in hosting a workshop so that employees can learn about things in a more fun way than traditional training methods. Well, try equating the unfamiliar with the familiar! You might build metaphoric bridges and witness the emergence of hybrid solutions.

How can we help?

There is more to Rushford Business School than just books and lectures; it also provides a beautiful interplay of networking and extracurricular activities to assist in the construction of bridges that extend beyond the confines of the classroom. Participate in our worldwide business programs, which have earned a reputation for their high quality and meaningfulness and which will help you create your future. When you are accepted into our program, you will have the opportunity to cultivate your relationships with people from a variety of diverse cultures and locales. The need to make connections between classroom learning experiences and the actual world is something that we are aware of. There is a heavy emphasis placed on providing students with opportunities to get exposure to the local economy, industry, and start-up communities, as well as cultural and historical viewpoints. We also have programs that allow you to participate in international exchange, which will enable you to gain experiences that will add value to both your theoretical and practical understanding of studying abroad. Rushford carefully considers the design of the Global Immersion Program in order to facilitate the development of international awareness and communication. Many of our students owe their professional development to the high-quality business education that we provide, as well as the advice that we provide in networking, which forces them to think in a new way and opens their eyes to the experience that they will have in the real world. 

Come be a part of our efforts right now!

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Feedback Mechanisms

To build high-trust relationships and increase employee retention within the organizations, FAANG companies undertake ERG programs that further help them improve brand visibility through volunteer activities. The main focus of such groups is to enhance diversity, race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.

Such groups remain active and provide continuous feedback that helps the human resources team understand where DEIs are succeeding and where improvement is required. Regular surveys, feedback, and effective engagement strategies pose a level of satisfaction among the FAANG organizations, helping to become more inclusive and pave the way for an inclusive workplace.

How does it help?

Not only does it pave the way for a more talented pool, but it certainly retains them and enhances the overall employee resource group of the organization. Volunteering, Scholarships, Mentorship programs, Cultural awareness programs, Guest speakers and other collaborating events are regularly sponsored by the FAANG companies to help such affinity groups connect, thrive and grow as a whole. It helps bring business, create an inclusive reputation, and realize success in the long run for the companies. In the year 2024, today, more than 90% of the companies have ERGs with an average participation of more than 8% of the employees and rising.

You can become a part of an ERG and take advantage to learn more about shared identities and interests. This not only helps in growing the overall mindset of the individuals but also provides them with the opportunity to foster a culture of inclusion.

Come forward!

You can use ERGs to gather feedback on company policies and initiatives to ensure that they align with your future needs. If your current workplace lacks ERGs, then you can come forward and start one to address the needs of underrepresented groups. Stay informed on DEI matters through ERGs and engage through events, workshops, and discussions.

What did you learn?

Whether you are an entrepreneur or a graduate, by adopting FAANG companies’ best practices on inclusion, you can genuinely pave your way through the inclusive workplace. It is an ongoing journey, and now is the time to call an action. Start by assessing the best policies and practices the companies are following, develop while continuously learning about DEIs, commit to the art of mindfulness and reflect to celebrate the diverse world we live in. Rushford is taking significant initiatives through the Global Immersion Program, Networking events and more to transform your journey into a beacon of inclusivity. Start small, be consistent, and commit to the journey towards an equitable and prosperous future.