WORKPLACE INCLUSION: BOARD AND EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME
Governance professionals and executives are facing increased pressure to navigate the complex terrain of workplace inclusion but are often not adequately equipped to lead this agenda. In times of economic downturn and organisational change, this gap poses significant risks to team cohesion, employee engagement, and the long-term sustainability of inclusive workplace cultures - just when they are needed the most.
The reality is that many leaders struggle to articulate the rationale for progressive workplace strategies, which can undermine progress. Additionally, fear of making mistakes often leads executives to avoid engaging with inclusion efforts altogether, choosing silence over action rather than risking missteps in an area they feel unprepared for.
This programme offers the latest strategic insights and emerging trends on workplace inclusion, equipping Boards and executives with tools to critically evaluate internal advocacy for change. Through a balanced approach, leaders will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding inclusion and its role in organisational success.
Through thought-provoking conversations, leaders will gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to drive meaningful workplace inclusion strategies that stand the test of time - empowering their teams, mitigating risks, and building a future-ready organisation.
Delivery options: Face-to-face or online – minimum of four modules
Duration: 45 – 60 mins, easily aligned with existing meeting schedules
Audience: Board members, governance professionals, and executive leaders seeking a strategic understanding of workplace inclusion.
Modules available
BASICS BEYOND BUZZ OR BACKLASH
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly shaping organisational risk, reputation, and long-term sustainability. But beyond the headlines and shifting public sentiment, what does this mean for governance? This session provides senior leaders and board members with a high-level, strategic view of DEI - focusing on its implications for organisational oversight, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
BIAS IN DECISION MAKING
Effective governance requires decision-making that is strategic, fair, and aligned with long-term organisational success. However, cognitive shortcuts and ingrained patterns of thinking can unintentionally shape leadership decisions. This session moves beyond outdated discussions of "unconscious bias" to focus on practical ways leaders can improve objectivity, reduce blind spots, and foster high-quality, defensible decisions that strengthen organisational credibility.
CULTURAL ACUMEN IN GOVERNANCE
In an increasingly interconnected world, governance professionals must navigate cultural complexity with confidence. This session explores cultural intelligence (CQ) through the lens of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a foundation for navigating an increasingly multicultural business environment.
LANGUAGE MATTERS
As pivotal figures in shaping organisational culture, governance professionals understand the powerful role language plays in decision-making and the broader dynamics within the organisation. This module is designed to remove the fear of making a misstep, demystify inclusive language and transform it into a practical tool for fostering a more inclusive and forward-thinking environment.
BEST PRACTICE FOR HYBRID WORK
In the wake of large-scale return-to-office mandates, leaders face the challenge of balancing organisational needs with the diverse living contexts of employees. This module aims to critically explore the evolving landscape of hybrid work models, equipping governance professionals with the insights and strategies needed to make informed decisions that balance in-person and remote work in a way that supports organisational objectives, employee wellbeing, and inclusive practices.
PAY EQUITY AND PAY TRANSPARENCY
This module provides a strategic overview of pay equity and pay transparency, offering tools to understand and navigate these increasingly important components of inclusive workplace cultures. Recognising that the shift toward pay transparency often challenges traditional cost structures, the module explores how organisations can balance business realities with the growing expectations for transparency.
GOVERNING WORKPLACE INCLUSION
Boards and leadership teams have the opportunity to lead meaningful, lasting change by embedding workplace inclusion into the core of their organisations. This module equips leaders with the tools and insights needed to integrate workplace inclusion into governance practices, ensuring both accountability and sustainable transformation.
INCLUSION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
Organisational culture directly impacts performance and reputation, and governance professionals therefore have a critical role in setting the tone for psychological safety and inclusion at the highest levels. This module empowers leaders with the strategic insights and actionable steps needed to create cultures that prioritise safety, wellbeing, and respect, even in the face of difficult issues such as bullying, harassment, incivility, and mental health challenges.
WORKPLACE INCLUSION IN RISK AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT
In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, organisations face an increasing need to be agile and resilient in navigating crises and risks. By embedding inclusive leadership into crisis management strategies, organisations can build trust, foster greater employee engagement, and respond more effectively to evolving risks, both globally and locally.
FUTURE-READY INCLUSION
To remain competitive and resilient in the face of rapid societal and organisational shifts, leaders must integrate workplace inclusion as a core, long-term strategy. This module empowers executive leaders to anticipate and navigate the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that inclusion is embedded not as a passing trend, but as a sustainable, adaptable framework.
Complete this form to indicate your interest in arranging learning sessions for your Board and Executive. Our team will get back to you if we need more information or will send through a written proposal within five working days.
Check out our other corporate training offerings and our public training events and workshops.
