By: Janifer Wheeler, The JOYFull BadAss

Here’s the uncomfortable truth about workplace culture: being nice doesn’t cut it anymore. 

Sure, kindness is great. Everyone loves a friendly face and a good morning hello. But if you think being “nice” singlehandedly creates an inclusive workplace, you’re missing the point. 

It’s time to face the facts—we need to go beyond surface-level kindness and dig into the real work of creating a space that’s inclusive, equitable, and full of JOY.

For small business CEOs, managers, HR leaders, and supervisors, this blog is your wake-up call. If your workplace culture is relying on “being nice” as its strategy for inclusivity, here’s why that’s not enough and what you can do to fix it.

The Limitations of Being ‘Nice’

Here’s the problem with “nice.” It’s passive. It’s reactive. And at its core, it often avoids confrontation. The truth is, building an inclusive and thriving workplace isn’t about how many smiles you hand out or how often you compliment your coworkers. It’s about systems, policies, and intentional actions that create equitable opportunities for everyone.

Niceness won’t address pay gaps. It won’t fix microaggressions. It won’t dismantle unconscious biases. It’s a great starting point, but it’s not the solution. If you want your workplace to be wildly inclusive, JOYFULL, and successful, you need to rethink what “inclusive” actually means. Hint? It’s a blend of action and impact.

#JOYFullWorkplaces Do What ‘Nice’ Can’t

At its heart, a #JOYFullWorkplace isn’t built on niceties. It’s built on trust, empowerment, and deliberate inclusion. Joy stems from people feeling valued, understood, and empowered to show up as their full selves. It’s about creating an environment where everyone—not just the loudest voices or the most “likable” employees—is encouraged to thrive.

When you focus on JOY instead of generic “niceness,” you create a workplace with real meaning. A place with:

• Psychological Safety: Employees feel free to share ideas or concerns without fear of backlash.
• Intentional Inclusion: Different voices don’t just have a seat at the table; they’re actively heard.
• Equity at Every Level: From hiring to promotions, equity is baked into decisions, not treated as an afterthought.

What Inclusivity Looks Like in Action

Being inclusive takes effort. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting into the tough work of policies, expectations, and culture-building. Here are five actionable ways leaders can tackle inclusivity head-on.

1. Listen First, Speak Second

Want to know if your workplace is inclusive? Start by TAKING OUR QUIZ. Then, ask your employees. Use anonymous surveys, open forums, or one-on-one feedback sessions to hear their experience. Pro tip? Don’t just listen. Implement their ideas.

2. Break Down Biases

If you have a brain, you have bias. EVERYONE has unconscious biases. Acknowledge it and address it head-on. Invest in bias training, evaluate hiring processes for inequities, and set tangible goals for creating diverse and representative teams.

3. Make Leadership Accountable

Inclusive workplaces start at the top. Leaders set the tone, so make sure managers and supervisors are equipped with the skills and mindset to foster an inclusive culture. If your leaders aren’t championing inclusivity, it won’t survive.

4. Reevaluate Policies and Practices

Inclusivity isn’t just about the environment; it’s systemic. Review workplace policies around pay, promotions, flexible work, and reporting mechanisms. Look for barriers or unintentional inequities that might exclude certain employees.

5. Celebrate Everyone’s Wins

This one sounds small, but it’s huge. Recognition and appreciation play a big role in fostering inclusivity. Make sure every achievement, whether big or small, is celebrated in a way that aligns with employees’ values.

Living the Values of a #JOYFullWorkplace

Here’s the beauty of going beyond “nice.” When you commit to inclusivity in a real, active way, you unlock something much bigger than workplace harmony. You create a culture of collaboration and innovation. Employees become more engaged. Retention skyrockets. The domino effect? Your organization becomes the kind of place people want to work for.

JOY isn’t a buzzword; it’s the result of creating spaces where people feel they belong and matter. Small businesses with #JOYFullWorkplaces don’t just survive; they thrive. 

Imagine a workplace where stress is replaced with support, disengagement transforms into empowerment, and toxic norms melt away to make room for something extraordinary.

Leaders, The Next Step Is Yours

Niceness is passive. Inclusivity is active. If you’re ready to go beyond pleasantries and create a workplace that radiates JOY and opportunity, the path is clear. Take action. Start the conversations. Break the biases. Your team, bottom line, and company’s future will thank you for it.

Because here’s the truth. A #JOYFullWorkplace doesn’t happen by accident. It’s born out of intention and effort. 

And it’s led by people like you.

Meet Janifer, a trailblazer in cultivating inclusive and thriving environments, both in education and business. With a robust background as a teacher and district-level Director of Continuous School Improvement, she partnered with the Texas Education Agency to elevate student success across diverse demographics. Janifer’s passion for creating supportive cultures led to the development of her Continuous Cultural Improvement™️ model, a transformative tool for small businesses to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and equity. Now, she leverages her expertise to offer professional learning and development services, helping businesses embrace diversity and drive impactful change. Janifer is committed to harnessing the power of learning as a catalyst for growth and success in every community she touches. Follow Us on LI: Wheelhouse Learning Solutions.