Inclusive communication
Inclusive communication
is the practice of communicating in a way that avoids discrimination, bias, or exclusion based on factors such as gender, race, age, or religion. It involves using language and behaviors that make all individuals feel valued, respected, and included, creating a more diverse and equitable workplace culture. Our core activities in this area are implemented under the NICE project.
The NICE initiative
The initiative “Neutral and Inclusive Communcation in Cortporate Environments (NICE)” is implemented by the Bulgarian Diversity Charter in partnership with Diversity Charters from Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania and Romania. It’s official kick-off took place on March 16 with a partnership meeting hosted by the Centre for Social Innovation. The aim of the NICE initiative is to promote inclusive and tolerant working environments through the development of new and innovative training and capacity building programs for the Diversity Charter’s signatories. In addition, it seeks to generate meaningful outcomes, such as valuable resources, activities, and consolidated knowledge, which will augment existing diversity management strategies by incorporating policies that promote neutral and inclusive communication.
Training materials
As a result of extensive research, consultations, interviews, and focus groups, the NICE partnership has developed a comprehensive training pack on neutral and inclusive communication in the workplace. It consists of theoretical modules covering topics such as fundamental DEI concepts, identification of biases and stereotypes and their effects on communication and behaviour, guidelines and principles of inclusive communication and neutral language, building an inclusive workplace culture, and engaging leadership as a key element for achieving long-lasting results. The theory is complemented by twenty exercises that align with the training themes, designed to encourage the practical application of inclusive communication. Additionally, eight scenarios depicting workplace situations are presented in video format, showcasing examples of inclusive versus exclusionary communication. These videos are available on the NICE YouTube channel , with subtitles in Bulgarian and other project languages.
Download the Theoretical modules on inclusive communication (Bulgarian)
Download the Theoretical modules on inclusive communication (English)
Download the Exercises on inclusive communication (Bulgarian)
Download the Exercises on inclusive communication (English)
Video materials
Download the booklet presenting overview of the video scenarios (Bulgarian)
Download the booklet presenting overview of the video scenarios (English)
Research
The report “From Words to Actions: Enhancing Inclusive Communication in the Workplace” examines the critical intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) management with professional communication in European workplaces. It explores how public and private entities in five European countries – Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, and Romania – approach and integrate inclusive communication practices into various organisational processes.
Download the report here.
The report “Inclusive communication in the workplace: Bulgaria 2023” offers the first comprehensive overview of the use of neutral and inclusive language in the Bulgarian context. The report examines the national framework, including relevant legislation, policies, and initiatives implemented by companies and NGOs operating in the country. Additionally, it delves into the perceptions of inclusive communication in Bulgarian professional environments through an analysis of a survey and interviews with national experts.
Download the report here.
Events and media coverage
In September 2024, the Diversity Charter launched a pilot training and mentorship programme on inclusive communication for companies in Bulgaria in the framework of the NICE project. Members and partners of the Bulgarian Diversity Charter had the exclusive opportunity to join the pilot training. The three sessions on 18-20 September – two online and one held live thanks to our kind hosts from HPE Bulgaria, were attended by over 30 participants from over 25 companies from various economic sectors.
Read more here.
The second Inclusive Communication Lab was hosted by IBM Bulgaria. The first part of the workshop featured guest speakers from IBM Bulgaria, Jamba – Career for All, Hilton Sofia and Inditex Bulgaria who shared their experience in applying various inclusion policies. The second part of the event was dedicated to a workshop where participants held group discussions to delved into several case studies: gender-balanced communicaiton, intergenerational balance, integration of people with different abilities and of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Read more here.
Representatives of the business and civil society sectors: Charter members, experts and supporters participated in the Diversity Communication Lab. The event was kindly hosted by VIVACOM. Guest speakers from companies and civil organisations that stand up for and work directly with underrepresented groups in Interlang, Stanimira Chocolate House, Synergia Foundation, ARTIED, Caritas Sofia and presented their experience. In the second part of the Lab, participants discussed case studies on four topics: gender-sensitive communication, intergenerational balance, integration of people with different abilities and of people from various ethnic backgrounds.
Read more here.
The Bulgarian Diversity Charter and its signatories actively participated in an online discussion on neutral and inclusive communication in the workplace on 5 December 2023. The event was organized under the NICE initiative and brought together business and civic organisations from Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Lithuania.
Read more here.
The Bulgarian Diversity Charter held a panel discussion on Neutral and Inclusive Communication in the Workplace at Shell Bulgaria. The participants explored in depth the relevant needs for inclusive communication, including specific aspects and categories, identified corporate processes and operations where specialised training is applicable, and formulated KPIs and benchmarks while sharing their experience and best practice. Guests included HR, communications, marketing and diversity specialists from Lidl, HPE, Shell, CATRO, Sensata Technologies, Vivacom, Maria’s World Foundation.
Read more here.
The Bulgarian Diversity Charter presented the newly published reports, From Words to Actions: Enhancing Inclusive Communication in the Workplace Report, and Inclusive Communication in the Workplace: Bulgaria 2023 Report in an interview with Radio Sofia at the Bulgarian National Radio.
Read more here.
The Bulgarian Diversity Charter along with partner charters from Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania and Romania had the opportunity to present the NICE programme (Neutral and Inclusive communication in Corporate Environments) at the Diversity in Business Conference in Athens. In a dedicated panel, the five regional partners presented their efforts so far, focusing on the project’s most recent outcomes and challenges reiterating the importance of introducing inclusive and neutral communication policies in successful diversity management strategies.
Read more here.
Тhe Bulgarian Diversity Charter celebrated the successful conclusion of its training and mentoring NICE programme on inclusive communication during an event attended by Charter members, project partners, officials, and key stakeholders. The event brought together representatives from 16 companies that participated in the pilot training, alongside Diversity Charter members, the international NICE project team, and senior officials.
Read more here.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Stay tuned and be more involved.
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to receive the latest updates on our work.
This website was funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014-2020).
The content of this website represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.