How to Be Inclusive: Everyday Actions That Make a Difference

It was just another weekday lunch at the corner café. A woman—new to the area, softly spoken, with deep brown skin and a noticeable but unobtrusive mobility aid resting at her side—sat at her usual table near the window. Her accent marked her as not from around here—foreign, though hard to place. She didn’t seem uncomfortable on her own, and it’s not unusual for someone to sit solo with a book or a quiet meal. But over several visits, a pattern became harder to ignore. The waitresses—so warm and chatty with the white customers—were brisk and impatient with her. No eye contact. No small talk. Just clipped tones and quick exits. Around her, regulars exchanged nods and pleasantries, but no one ever acknowledged her presence. No one was openly rude. But no one made space either.

Inclusion is not about performative acts or public displays—it is rooted in consistent, thoughtful behavior. It begins with small, intentional actions: acknowledging someone with a smile, choosing to listen before speaking, or recognizing those who are too often overlooked in everyday interactions.

Far from being a fleeting trend or corporate checkbox, inclusion is a deliberate and ongoing practice. It demands that we create environments where every individual—regardless of their background, identity, or ability—is respected, empowered, and able to contribute fully. In an increasingly diverse world, the true test is not in celebrating difference but in building systems that ensure everyone belongs. This article explores how to be inclusive in everyday life—with examples that span work, education, and personal relationships.

To be inclusive means to actively ensure that people of all backgrounds and experiences can participate fully and authentically. It goes beyond tolerating differences—it celebrates them. Being inclusive starts with:

• Listening to perspectives different from your own.

• Recognizing and checking your own biases.

• Designing environments and experiences that don’t exclude anyone.

• Making space for others to speak, lead, and belong.

Whether you're in a workplace, classroom, online space, or family setting, inclusivity is an intentional practice.

Being inclusive isn't just a moral imperative. It has real-world impacts:

• In the workplace, inclusive cultures lead to higher employee satisfaction, productivity, and innovation.

• In schools, students feel safer and perform better when they are respected and included.

• In public life, inclusivity strengthens democracy, representation, and social trust.

• In personal relationships, being inclusive creates deeper, more meaningful connections.

And for disabled people, chronic illness, neurodivergence, or mental health conditions, inclusion is often the difference between being empowered and being invisible.

It’s a basic act of respect. Don’t assume. Ask. And once you know, use them consistently.

Use plain language. Provide alt text on images. Ensure captions are on. Ask if someone needs information in another format. These small shifts open doors for disabled people.

We all have unconscious biases. The goal isn’t to pretend you don’t. It’s to identify them, question them, and actively resist them.

If someone from a marginalized group shares an idea or experience, don’t reframe it as your own. Pass the mic. Quote them. Give them credit.

Literally and figuratively. If you're in a position of influence, look around. Who's missing? Then ask why, and invite them in.

Words like "crazy," "lame," or "blind spot" can be deeply exclusionary and can be considered as ableist slurs. Opt for inclusive language that doesn’t stigmatize.

You never know what someone is carrying. Don’t demand personal stories. Respect boundaries. Give people autonomy over how they engage.

Don't tokenize. Learn. Show up. Whether it’s a religious holiday, a heritage month, or traditional attire, respect and honor these expressions.

Silence enables discrimination. If you hear a harmful joke or see someone being dismissed, say something. Even a simple, "That's not okay," matters.

Apparel and accessories can be statements of solidarity. A shirt that says "Be Inclusive" is more than fabric. It's a flag. A message. A reminder to yourself and others.

Looking for a way to spark conversation or make your values visible? Check out the Be Inclusive Apparel & Accessories collection.

Creating an inclusive work culture starts with policies, but it thrives through practice:

• Flexible work schedules support employees with chronic illness, caregiving duties, or mental health needs.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) give marginalized communities space to connect and lead.

• Inclusive job descriptions avoid gendered or ableist language and highlight openness to diversity.

• Purchasing DEI swag and diversity and inclusion promotional items from Black-owned, woman-owned, or disabled-owned businesses supports representation and economic inclusion.

If you're a manager or team leader, your influence matters. Model inclusion. Invite feedback. Center marginalized voices.

Teachers and educators play a critical role in shaping inclusive futures:

• Represent diverse cultures, bodies, and experiences in curriculum and visuals.

• Respect sensory needs and provide calm spaces.

• Encourage multiple learning styles: visual, auditory, tactile.

• Use trauma-informed and disability-aware teaching practices.

Students thrive when they feel seen. Students excel when they are acknowledged.

From websites to classrooms to public restrooms, inclusive design is key. Ask:

• Can someone in a wheelchair navigate this space?

• Can someone with low vision read this font or color contrast?

• Does this form allow people to identify their gender and pronouns?

• Is the language plain, readable, and available in multiple formats?

Inclusivity in design isn’t extra. It’s essential. Why design should include everyone isn’t just a question of equity—it’s a principle that helps all people feel welcome, safe, and considered from the start.

Inclusivity in design isn’t extra. It’s essential.

Online spaces are just as real as physical ones. Practice inclusion by:

• Moderating harmful comments.

• Using content warnings for potentially triggering topics.

• Captioning videos.

• Diversifying the voices you follow, feature, and share.

Digital inclusion is accessibility + equity + empathy.

Practising how to be inclusive starts at home. Teach kids:

• That all bodies and brains are different—and that’s a good thing.

• How to apologize when they make a mistake.

• How to ask thoughtful questions and listen without judgment.

• That love and respect aren’t conditional on ability, identity, or conformity.

Representation in books, TV, and toys matters too.

You will make mistakes. That’s part of the process. And when it comes to inclusion, remember this truth: intent vs. impact in relationships matters. Good intentions don’t erase harmful impact.

When you do mess up:

1. Listen without defensiveness.

2. Apologize with humility.

3. Repair with actions, not just words.

4. Keep showing up.

Perfection isn't the goal. Progress is.

Inclusion isn’t a destination. It’s a practice. A mindset. A muscle you build with intention.

Start where you are. Use your voice. Make room. Show up for others.

And when in doubt, remember this:

Being inclusive means creating a world where more people feel like they belong.

One action at a time, one conversation at a time, one choice at a time—you can help build that world.

Wear it. Live it. Share it. Be Inclusive. 

To explore "how to be inclusive" more thoroughly, consider these ideas:

• Follow disability advocates on social media.

• Take free courses on anti-racism and neurodiversity.

• Read memoirs from people with chronic illness or mental health conditions.

Every step counts. Every voice matters. Every act of inclusion builds a better world.