Why Building an Inclusive Workplace Culture Matters at Scissett DIY
At Scissett DIY, we believe that people are at the heart of every successful business. Products, services and sales all matter, but it is the people behind them who make the real difference.
That is why we were proud to take part in the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Leadership and Workplace Culture Programme. The programme explores how leadership, inclusion and employee wellbeing can help businesses create healthier and more productive workplaces.
As part of the programme, our Business Director, Claire Parker, joined team members Myself, (Josiah Liburd) and Chris Briggs share our experiences in a video case study. Together, we spoke about workplace culture, leadership and the importance of making people feel valued.
For us, taking part was more than simply appearing in a case study. It was an opportunity to highlight something that has always been important to our business – creating an inclusive workplace culture where people feel respected, supported and comfortable being themselves.
What Is an Inclusive Workplace Culture?
An inclusive workplace culture is one where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to contribute. It means recognising that every employee has different experiences, strengths and needs.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority highlights that leadership plays a major role in shaping workplace culture. What leaders say, prioritise and demonstrate every day influences how employees feel and how teams work together.
Inclusive leadership is not about having perfect policies or knowing all the answers. Instead, it is about listening, showing understanding and creating an environment where people can do their best work.
For small businesses like ours, these principles are especially important because workplace culture is built through everyday interactions.
Why Inclusion Matters in Small Businesses
Many people associate diversity and inclusion with large organisations. However, small businesses can benefit just as much from creating an inclusive workplace culture.
At Scissett DIY, we work closely together every day. This means trust, communication and mutual respect are essential.
When people feel supported at work, they are more confident, more engaged and more motivated. They are also more likely to share ideas, solve problems and contribute positively to the business.
Creating an inclusive workplace culture helps employees feel like they belong. In turn, this creates a stronger team and a better experience for our customers.
Chris’s Experience: The Power of Feeling Supported
One of the most powerful moments in the WYCA case study comes from Chris Briggs.
In the video, Chris speaks openly about how feeling supported at work has given him the confidence to be himself. That confidence has had a positive impact not only on his own wellbeing but also on the customers he serves every day.
As we shared in our social media post, Chris explained how being comfortable in the workplace allows him to enjoy interacting with customers and bring positivity into the shop.
Customers notice that positivity.
When employees feel happy and supported, it naturally reflects in the way they communicate, work with colleagues and assist customers.
Chris’s story demonstrates something we strongly believe at Scissett DIY. When people feel valued, they gain confidence. When they gain confidence, everyone benefits.
Looking to the Future
Taking part in the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Leadership and Workplace Culture Programme gave us an opportunity to reflect on what matters most to us as a business.
We are proud that Myself, Claire and Chris were able to share our experiences and demonstrate how important workplace culture can be within a small business.
