Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Did you know that companies with inclusive cultures are 2.3 times more likely to engage their employees and 1.7 times more likely to innovate? Additionally, organizations with highly inclusive cultures experience 22% lower turnover rates, showing the business value of embracing diversity. Despite these statistics, many organizations still struggle to go beyond surface-level diversity efforts. To create a truly inclusive culture, your content needs to reflect authentic stories, diverse perspectives, and actionable strategies.

Inclusive content isn’t just an initiative—it’s a strategy for lasting transformation.

Here’s how leaders can use storytelling, thoughtful visual choices, and education to shape workplaces where everyone feels valued.

Start with storytelling that sparks change

Anyone can write about “why diversity matters,” but storytelling that moves people involves sharing authentic experiences reflecting the complexities of inclusion. Here’s how to make it work:

Authenticity begins with going beyond the expected narratives. Consider stories from employees who have faced unique challenges, like navigating career growth with a disability. These stories educate and challenge others to think differently.

I remember realizing a gap in one of our customer’s DEI efforts: they had the right policies, but employees’ experiences weren’t heard. That moment drove me to incorporate storytelling as a core component as a strategy. When leaders share their growth, it demonstrates that inclusion is a journey, not a destination.

Numbers don’t drive change alone. For example, research shows that companies with inclusive cultures see 39% higher customer satisfaction. When sharing this type of data, include an anecdote from someone who has experienced the impact firsthand, such as an employee who benefited from inclusive policies or a client who felt seen and valued due to authentic representation.

When working with career coaching clients here at It’s Your Outcome, we often advise them to look for companies that use inclusive content. It’s not a guarantee of a diverse and welcoming culture, but it can be a promising sign. Companies that represent diversity authentically in their imagery and messaging often show a higher level of awareness and commitment to inclusion.

However, we also discuss other factors to consider when evaluating a company’s true dedication to diversity.

Go beyond tokenism: choose visuals that speak

The clichéd “diverse team” photo may check a box but often fails to represent real inclusion. Here’s how to do better:

1. Show real work situations: Use visuals showing diverse employees in everyday scenarios. Instead of a generic image of a wheelchair user, show them leading a meeting. This shifts the focus from disability to leadership.

2. Break stereotypes: Challenge narrow views by featuring visuals depicting people in unexpected roles, like a woman of color leading a tech team or an older employee mentoring younger staff.

3. Highlight inclusive design through visuals: If discussing accessible technology, feature images showing assistive tools in action. This reinforces that accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about empowerment.

Content that drives change is content that educates

Inclusion requires ongoing education and dialogue. Leverage your content to continuously educate and engage your audience

2. Incorporate data and action steps: A McKinsey report found diverse companies are 36% more likely to outperform peers financially. Furthermore, companies that implement disability-inclusive practices see a 28% higher revenue. Use data to underscore messages, and suggest actions like conducting bias audits or mentorship programs.

Practical tools and resources to enhance your content strategy

To elevate your inclusive content, incorporate these resources and strategies:

POC Stock for diverse photos of People of Color Or DisabilityImages Stock image library for authentic images of people with disabilities. This ensures your visuals are genuine.

Textio help ensure inclusive language, while Swayable

measures the impact on different audience groups.

companies that get it right

Some organizations are using content to drive cultural transformation effectively:

Microsoft’s approach to accessibility: Microsoft’s commitment goes beyond promoting products. They feature employees with disabilities discussing how accessible tools empower them, illustrating how technology can be used to level the playing field in the workplace.

Salesforce’s focus on employee stories: Salesforce shares how personal experiences shape the company culture. This strengthens the bond between the company and its workforce and shows the value of diverse perspectives.

Cleveland Clinic’s use of patient stories: In healthcare, Cleveland Clinic has effectively used patient stories to highlight diverse experiences in healthcare delivery. This approach not only promotes empathy but also educates staff and patients on the importance of culturally competent care.

Georgetown University’s inclusive content in education: In higher education, Georgetown University uses inclusive language and diverse visual representation across its communication channels, signaling its commitment to a welcoming learning environment.

how to make your content work for you

To create content that fosters inclusion, authenticity matters more than perfection. As you draft your next newsletter or blog, ask if it reflects your commitment to inclusion or just meets the minimum standard.

start shaping the culture today

Ready to transform your approach? Begin by sharing an untold story within your organization. Whether it’s a personal journey or a moment of growth, make inclusion part of the everyday conversation. Share your experiences or strategies in the comments below.

P.S.: For a compelling look at true inclusivity, watch Apple’s “The Greatest” video. It shows how features like Door Detection and Voice Control empower people with disabilities to live independently, highlighting diversity in everyday life.

See how technology can go beyond accessibility to truly transform lives. Watch it here.