In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, creating a workplace where justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) are central is more critical than ever. At Yohlar, we believe that businesses can only truly innovate when they embrace these principles. That’s why we developed the Inclusive Innovation Framework (IIF)—a unique, action-oriented approach designed to integrate JEDI values seamlessly into business strategy while driving creativity and innovation.
The Inclusive Innovation Framework (IIF): What Is It?
The Inclusive Innovation Framework is built on Yohlar’s “Power of 3” methodology and provides businesses with a person-centred, actionable plan to foster inclusion. This framework goes beyond traditional, often rigid diversity initiatives, offering a dynamic approach to make real, lasting changes that benefit everyone in the organisation.
The IIF consists of a series of workshops, exercises, and strategies aimed at helping businesses develop an inclusive environment that encourages innovation. The framework culminates in a validated action plan tailored to each organisation's unique needs, accelerating its JEDI journey and promoting a culture where every voice is valued.
Why Traditional Inclusion Approaches Often Fail
Many organisations have tried implementing diversity programs in the past, only to find that these initiatives do not produce meaningful results. Traditional approaches often fall short because they are disconnected from the core operations and innovation strategies of the business. These methods can feel superficial, leaving employees disengaged and the company stagnant.
That’s where Yohlar’s Inclusive Innovation Framework differs. Rather than treating inclusion as a separate or secondary initiative, the IIF integrates JEDI principles directly into a company’s innovation pipeline. By doing so, inclusion becomes a natural part of the innovation process rather than an afterthought.
How the IIF Drives Innovation
Innovation thrives when people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together to solve problems in creative ways. The IIF promotes this by fostering an inclusive environment that supports collaboration and encourages creativity.
Creating a Safe Space for Ideas: The IIF emphasizes psychological safety, where all employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of judgment. This leads to more innovative thinking, as individuals from diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Removing Barriers to Contribution: By actively addressing issues of justice and equity, the IIF ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute, levelling the playing field for all employees and removing systemic barriers that may limit innovation.
Tapping Into the Power of Diversity: Research shows that diverse teams are more innovative because they bring a wider range of perspectives and ideas. The IIF actively promotes diversity by fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s input is valued and harnessed.
Action-Oriented and Measurable: One of the key benefits of the IIF is its focus on creating an actionable plan. After going through the workshops and exercises, businesses leave with a concrete action plan that can be implemented and measured over time, ensuring real progress.
Workshops and Exercises: Building Blocks of the IIF
Yohlar’s IIF includes a series of interactive workshops and exercises designed to engage employees at all levels of the organisation. These sessions encourage active participation, reflection, and collaboration, leading to deeper insights into how JEDI principles can be applied in daily operations. The goal is to help companies move beyond passive acceptance of diversity toward actively fostering an inclusive, innovative culture.
Key components of the framework include:
Executive leadership workshops to ensure top-down commitment to JEDI principles.
Team-building exercises that highlight the value of diverse perspectives.
Innovation-focused sessions that bring JEDI into the heart of problem-solving processes.
A Roadmap for Long-Term Success
The IIF not only helps businesses implement JEDI practices but also creates a roadmap for long-term success. By fostering a culture of inclusion, companies are better positioned to adapt to changing market demands, respond to customer needs, and stay ahead of competitors. The framework builds the foundation for a resilient, innovative business that thrives on collaboration and diversity.
Why Inclusion and Innovation Go Hand-in-Hand
At Yohlar, we believe that inclusion drives innovation, and the Inclusive Innovation Framework is a testament to that belief. Companies that embrace diversity and foster an inclusive culture unlock new ways of thinking, leading to breakthrough ideas and solutions. By using the IIF, businesses can ensure they remain competitive, adaptable, and forward-thinking, while simultaneously promoting justice, equity, and inclusion.
In conclusion, the Inclusive Innovation Framework is not just about meeting diversity targets or checking boxes—it’s about embedding JEDI principles into the core of how businesses operate and innovate. By fostering a culture that values every voice and perspective, businesses can unlock their full potential and create a more equitable, innovative future.
Ready to embrace a new approach to inclusion and innovation? Discover how Yohlar’s Inclusive Innovation Framework can help your organisation lead the way toward a more inclusive, innovative future.