Fostering Inclusion: Six Lessons from 26 Years of International Teams
18 February 2025
At The Better Green Group, we don’t just talk about diversity—we live it. With over 25 years of working with international teams spanning multiple cultures and languages, we’ve built a workplace where inclusion is a daily practice, not just a policy. From running company-wide English lessons to hosting cultural celebrations like a Brazilian-themed Christmas party, we ensure diversity is embedded in everything we do. Our experience has taught us that fostering an inclusive environment requires intentional actions beyond words.
The Benefits
International teams bring a wealth of diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and cultural insights that drive innovation, foster creativity, and strengthen problem-solving—making businesses more adaptable and competitive in a global world.
How it’s Done
If you’re looking to build an inclusive culture in your organisation, here’s a six-step guide based on what has worked for us:
Step 1: Commitment from Leadership – Make Inclusion a Priority
Action: A diverse culture starts at the top. Leaders must champion inclusion through clear communication, active participation, and accountability. At Better Green, leadership prioritises inclusivity by implementing diverse hiring practices, holding open discussions on equity, and ensuring representation at all levels.
Step 2: Develop Inclusive Policies – Beyond Words, Into Action
Action: Policies need to support real-world inclusivity. We offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate different needs, provide training on cultural awareness and bias, and regularly review policies to remove unintentional barriers. We also encourage team bonding through shared activities, from multicultural lunches to company sports teams—our basketball team being a great example of how we create spaces for connection beyond work.
Step 3: Equal Opportunity Hiring Helps Build a Diverse Workforce
Action: Recruitment should be inclusive from the start. We use diverse hiring panels, ensure job descriptions use inclusive language, and actively seek candidates from different backgrounds. But hiring diverse talent is just the beginning—retention is key. We support new hires with mentorship programmes and a strong internal network.
Step 4: Foster an Inclusive Culture By Empowering Employees
Action: Inclusion isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a culture to nurture. At Better Green, we provide English language lessons to support non-native speakers, ensuring communication barriers don’t hinder career growth. We also encourage employees to share their cultural experiences, fostering understanding and appreciation among colleagues. Celebrating cultural holidays and hosting themed events, like our Brazilian Christmas party, further strengthens our commitment to an inclusive workplace.
Step 5: Providing Resources and Recognition: Investing in Inclusion is Key
Action: To create lasting change, organisations must invest in the right resources. At Better Green, we provide ongoing diversity training, employee resource groups, and access to professional development opportunities. Our commitment to FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement) is reflected in everything we do. We’re proud to have earned the Investors in Diversity accreditation for Small Businesses, recognising our efforts in embedding inclusivity at every level.
Step 6: Encourage Engagement: We Need to Listen, Learn, Adapt
Action: Inclusion is an ongoing process that thrives on feedback. We actively listen to employees through surveys, feedback sessions, and one-on-one meetings. This allows us to continuously refine our initiatives, ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard.
Making Inclusion a Reality
Diversity isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a continuous journey. Our experience with an international, multicultural team has shown us that true inclusivity goes beyond policies; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and empowered. Whether through cultural celebrations, sports teams, or mentorship programs, we’ve seen firsthand that small, consistent efforts create lasting impact.
By taking real action and continuously evolving, organisations can build a workplace where diversity isn’t just acknowledged—it’s celebrated. Now is the time to take the next step towards inclusivity. What changes can your organisation implement today?
About Dee Parsons, Group CEO, Sustainability & Outreach Director
26 years of experience at the creative edge of event, experiential, and live production. Dee spearheads the company's overall group growth and its sustainability and outreach manifesto. Dee sets the company goals and standards and ensures its implementation. Dee oversees all legal, financial, process, and marketing of the company and leads the plans for the company's summer and Christmas parties!