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Inclusive Workplaces

Last updated on 6 October 2025
At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our identity and success. Our goal is to create an inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

What is the Inclusive Workplaces Project?

The Inclusive Workplaces project is an initiative by the Diversity Office and HR department of VU Amsterdam. Its aim is to develop and implement a structured approach to diversity and inclusion (D&I). By leveraging best practices and existing VU initiatives, this project will provide employees with the tools and knowledge needed to foster an inclusive working environment. Through extensive research and collaboration with employees, we seek to:

  • Develop a coherent strategy for inclusive workplaces at VU Amsterdam.
  • Provide a centralized toolbox with accessible interventions that support inclusion at all levels.
  • Implement soft accountability measures and continuous monitoring to track progress and ensure effectiveness.

We have divided the strategy into three categories: Inclusive HR, Inclusive Leadership, and Inclusive Culture. You can find more on each of these pillars below.

Inclusive Workplaces | Toolbox

  • What is this toolbox?

    Want to get started with inclusivity? This toolbox can help you get more grip on the subject and ....... We've divided the toolbox into three pillars: Inclusive HR, Inclusive Leadership, and Inclusive Culture. 

  • Inclusive HR

    The pillar Inclusive HR focuses on equitable employee practices; like hiring, performance reviews, and promotion processes.

  • Inclusive Leadership

    The pillar Inclusive Leadership fosters belongingness, values individuals’ uniqueness, appreciates employees’ contributions, and actively supports organizational inclusion initiatives.

  • Inclusive Culture

    The pillar Inclusive Culture relates to inclusive values and artifacts of the organization.

  • Best Practices

    To establish a better insight into already existing research and initiatives outside of VU Amsterdam, we have compiled a Best Practices overview. We can learn from these and implement them into our own policies.

    •  Implement inclusive onboarding - Sibisi & Kappers, 2022; Denktaş et al., 2023 
    • Review diversity and inclusion criteria in performance reviews - Leslie, 2019; Dobbin & Kalev, 2016; Mousa, 2020  
    •  Ensure equitable promotion criteria - Acker, 2006; Nishii 2013  
    • Ensure equitable parental leave policies - Powell, 2021 
    • Ensure equal access to work policies - Creary et al. 2021  
    • Analyse exit data - Denktaş et al., 2023 
    • Safeguard top management commitment to DEI - e.g., Moore et al., 2010
    • Increase managers’ knowledge on policies - Creary et al. 2021  
    •  Implement inclusive communication mechanisms - Nishii, 2013; Veli Korkmaz et al., 2022
    • Equip middle managers with inclusive behaviors - Carcia Alonso et al., 2020; Creary et al. 2021; Dobbin & Kalev, 2016
    •  Reward champions - Dobbin & Kalev, 2016
    • Offer mentoring - Dobbin & Kalev, 2016  
    •  Implement zero tolerance policy for disrespectful behavior/code of conduct - Creary et al. 2021 
    • Ensure inclusive language - Creary et al. 2021; Jakob Sadeh & Mair, 2023 
    • Check for symbols and socials - Acker, 2006; Jakob Sadeh & Mair, 2023; Ortlieb & Sieben, 2019; van Wijk & Finchilescu, 2008  
    • Encourage affinity groups - Creary et al. 2021; Dobbin & Kalev, 2016 
    • Reach out to internal DEI partners - Creary et al. 2021 

Team Inclusive Workplaces

The Inclusive Workplaces Project is led by a dedicated interdisciplinary team, consisting of experts from the central Diversity Office, HR department (HR, Health Safety and Environment), and School of Business and Economics (SBE).

Lu Wie Hu-Peijster

Project manager & Diversity Officer HR

Lena Knappert

Strategy and Impact Lead

Lena Knappert

Pieter Sutorius

Diversity Officer

Ellen van den Boogert

Policy Advisor HR, Health Safety and Environment

Would you like to know more about Inclusive Workplaces?

Contact the Diversity Office or our Diversity Officer HR.

divers@vu.nl

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