The Importance of Inclusion and Integration Through Activity at Work

Inclusion and integration are essential values in any successful workplace. When organisations actively promote these principles – particularly through shared activities – they create stronger teams, healthier cultures and more productive working environments.

When employees feel included, respected and connected, communication improves, collaboration strengthens and teams work more effectively towards common goals. The result? Better outcomes for both people and the business.

The Cost of Exclusion

On the flip side, workplaces that fail to prioritise inclusion and integration can quickly become disengaging and damaging. Employees may feel isolated or undervalued, leading to lower morale, reduced motivation and decreased productivity. In some cases, this can even result in conflict and disharmony within teams.

That’s why building an inclusive workplace isn’t optional – it’s essential.

Why Inclusion and Diversity Matter at Work

But why are inclusion and diversity so important?

Let’s look at the numbers. Research from Exude highlights just how powerful an inclusive approach can be:

• 32% of employees wouldn’t apply to work at a company lacking diversity

• Companies identified as more diverse are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors

Attracting top talent and outperforming competitors are priorities for every business – and fostering a diverse, inclusive culture is key to achieving both.

Diversity vs Inclusion: What’s the Difference?

While often discussed together, diversity and inclusion aren’t the same thing.

Diversity refers to having a workforce made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds – including race, gender, sexuality, age, class and lived experience. This variety of perspectives fuels creativity, innovation and better decision-making.

Inclusion, on the other hand, is about empowerment. It’s ensuring that every employee feels valued, heard and able to contribute fully. An inclusive workplace gives people the confidence to speak up, share ideas and be their authentic selves – without fear of being overlooked or excluded.

Together, diversity and inclusion create environments where people don’t just show up – they thrive.

How to Build an Inclusive Workplace

Empowering employees can take many forms, but some of the most effective approaches include:

• Encouraging employees to share ideas – and giving them the platform to do so

• Promoting flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance

• Providing opportunities for learning, development and progression

• Encouraging people to bring their authentic selves to work

When employees feel respected, involved and supported, engagement rises – and so does performance.

The ripple effect is powerful. Inclusive workplaces often see:

• Higher engagement and productivity

• Fewer sick days

• Stronger mental wellbeing

• Greater trust in leadership and the organisation

Simply put, people work harder and smarter when they feel they belong.

Using Activity to Drive Inclusion and Integration

So how can businesses actively foster inclusion and integration?

One of the most effective tools is shared activity.

Fun, inclusive activities create space for connection beyond job titles and day-to-day responsibilities. They allow people to bond, build trust and understand each other on a more human level – something that’s especially important for remote teams and new starters.

This is where Big Smoke Events comes in.

We believe in what we call an effective recognition process – recognising people’s hard work, celebrating their differences and creating opportunities for genuine connection away from the desk.

Four Activity Ideas to Promote Inclusion and Appreciation

Here are four simple, effective ways to inject fun and foster inclusion in your workplace:

1. Scavenger Hunts

(Yes – a little shameless plug!)

Our Scavenger Hunts are a race against the clock where teams collaborate to solve challenges, complete creative tasks and explore together. With everyone – from CEO to intern – on a level playing field, they’re a brilliant way to break down hierarchy and encourage inclusive teamwork.

2. Learn About Your Team’s Backgrounds

Create space for storytelling. Organise a relaxed lunch or remote session where team members share one to three defining moments from their lives – only as much as they’re comfortable with.

It’s a powerful way to build empathy, understanding and connection – especially for remote or hybrid teams.

3. Create an Inclusive Calendar

If your workplace is diverse, your celebrations should be too. Recognising cultural holidays beyond Christmas helps build awareness, respect and curiosity – and shows employees their identities are valued.

4. Host a Photo Board Happy Hour

Ask employees to bring in a couple of photos that represent their background or life journey. Display them during a relaxed happy hour and let conversations flow naturally.

It’s a brilliant way to spark storytelling, build mutual respect and help new team members feel welcome.

Final Thoughts

Creating an inclusive and integrated workplace doesn’t happen by accident – it requires intention, effort and meaningful action.

By investing in inclusive activities and shared experiences, businesses can build happier, healthier teams that feel motivated, connected and ready to grow together.

Are you ready to go the extra mile?
We are – and we’d love to help.