What do you do if your animation team is struggling with diversity and inclusion?

2 Set Goals

Once you've identified the issues, set clear, achievable goals for enhancing diversity and inclusion within your team. These objectives should be specific, measurable, and time-bound, such as aiming to increase the representation of certain groups in leadership positions or within the creative process by a certain date. Goals provide direction and a benchmark for success, allowing you to track progress and maintain accountability as you work towards a more inclusive team.

3 Educate Team

Education is vital in fostering an inclusive environment. Offer training sessions that focus on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and the benefits of a diverse workplace. Encouraging empathy and understanding through education can help break down barriers and build a more collaborative and respectful team. Remember that learning about diversity and inclusion is an ongoing process, not a one-time event, so regular training and discussions should be part of your team's routine.

4 Revise Policies

Review your existing policies and procedures with a critical eye toward inclusivity. This might involve revising job descriptions to attract a broader range of applicants, implementing blind recruitment practices, or creating mentorship programs to support career advancement for underrepresented team members. Policies should promote equal opportunities for all employees and provide clear guidelines on expected behavior to maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace.

5 Foster Inclusion

Creating a truly inclusive culture goes beyond policies; it's about day-to-day interactions and ensuring everyone feels valued. Encourage collaboration and open communication, and make sure all team members have the opportunity to contribute to creative discussions. Celebrate cultural events and encourage team-building activities that allow for the sharing of different perspectives. An inclusive culture is one where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work.

6 Measure Progress

Finally, regularly measure your progress against the goals you've set. This could involve conducting follow-up surveys, tracking participation in training sessions, or reviewing the demographics of your team over time. Monitoring progress helps you understand what's working and what isn't, allowing you to adjust your strategies as needed. Continuous improvement shows your commitment to diversity and inclusion and helps build a stronger, more creative animation team.