National Inclusion Week (16–20 September 2025) is not just a date in the diary, it’s an opportunity for small businesses to show employees they are valued. Inclusion doesn’t have to mean complex strategies or lengthy training. In fact, the most effective actions are often the simplest and most relevant to day-to-day business life.
Here are some straightforward, business-friendly ways to mark the week:
Link Inclusion to Business Goals
Inclusion is not just “the right thing to do”, it helps your bottom line. Teams that feel respected and heard are more productive, have fewer conflicts and stay longer in their jobs. Framing Inclusion Week as a way to strengthen performance makes it feel directly relevant to business growth.
Use Team Meetings Wisely
Dedicate ten minutes of a regular team meeting to inclusion. This could mean asking for ideas on how to make communication smoother, ensuring quieter voices are heard, or exploring ways to improve collaboration. Keeping it practical helps people see immediate benefits.
Recognise Individual Strengths
Every employee brings something unique to the table. Use this week to highlight those contributions, whether it’s technical skills, customer service, or problem-solving. A simple shout-out in a team meeting or internal newsletter helps staff feel valued and boosts morale.
Review Everyday Practices
Small tweaks can make your workplace more inclusive without big costs. For example, check whether meetings are always scheduled at times that flexible workers or part-timers. Review whether job descriptions are written in plain, welcoming language. These actions are good for business because they make it easier to attract and retain talent.
Keep Customers in Mind
Inclusion isn’t just about employees. Think about how your business comes across to customers. Does your website reflect different audiences? Are your products or services accessible to a wide range of people? Making small improvements here can strengthen your reputation and widen your customer base.
Plan for the Long Term
Marking Inclusion Week is a great start, but the real impact comes from consistency. Even one or two changes carried forward, like rotating who chairs meetings or building regular feedback opportunities, can make your culture stronger and your business more resilient.
National Inclusion Week is a chance to show your employees and customers that your business values people. You don’t need complicated programmes, just practical, thoughtful steps that improve both morale and performance.
Want to build inclusion into your business without adding complexity?
At Dakota Blue Consulting we help small businesses put simple, practical HR solutions in place that strengthen culture, boost retention and support growth. If you’d like to explore how we can help your team feel more engaged and included, get in touch with us today.