November 16th marks the International Day for Tolerance, a day dedicated to recognising the importance of tolerance in building harmonious and inclusive societies and workplaces. This serves as a reminder that tolerance is not just about acceptance, but about celebrating our differences and building bridges between people and cultures.
Why tolerance matters
Tolerance, according to UNESCO, is not merely about enduring differences; it is about respecting and valuing them. In a world where division, conflict and discrimination are ever apparent, fostering tolerance is more important than ever. Tolerance involves understanding that everyone, regardless of their race, religion, nationality or gender, is entitled to live with dignity and respect in any context.
Tolerance is important everywhere—in society, sports, the workplace, and so on. Tolerance in any context is about more than peaceful coexistence—it’s about recognising diversity as a source of unity through strength and opportunity rather than division.
What is a tolerant workplace?
In today’s diverse and globalised workforce, tolerance is more than just a virtue — it’s a necessity for organisational success. A tolerant workplace fosters an environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered to be the best that they can. But how can organisations develop this essential value?
1. Inclusive Leadership
At the heart of a tolerant workplace is inclusive leadership. Leaders who embrace diversity, acknowledge their own biases and promote fairness create an atmosphere where employees feel psychologically safe. When leaders practice empathy and communicate openly across differences, they foster an environment of mutual respect, which encourages collaboration and innovation.
2. Collaboration Across Differences
Tolerance thrives when employees from all backgrounds work together. Collaboration across differences helps individuals gain new perspectives and build understanding. By working together to solve real-world problems, employees learn to appreciate each other’s experiences and viewpoints, which strengthens the overall team dynamic. This helps break down silos and promotes a culture where diversity is seen as a strength rather than a challenge.
3. Embedding Tolerance into Organisational Culture
For tolerance to take root, it must be woven into the very fabric of an organisation’s culture. When diversity and inclusion are core values, companies move beyond merely tolerating differences to actively celebrating them. This cultural shift leads to a workplace where all employees feel included and have equal opportunities to succeed, driving both engagement and performance.
4. Constructive Conflict Resolution
Conflict is inevitable in any workplace but how it’s handled can either nurture or hinder tolerance. Training employees to resolve conflicts respectfully helps maintain harmony and understanding. By addressing differences with empathy and openness, organisations foster a culture where diverse opinions are respected and collaboration thrives.
What help is available for organisations to become more tolerant?
By practicing inclusive leadership, promoting collaboration, embedding diversity in culture and resolving conflicts constructively, organisations can build a more tolerant, innovative and successful work environment. Organisations like Roffey Park Institute are here to help.
Roffey Park Institute helps organisations promote tolerance by providing leadership development programmes that emphasise emotional intelligence, self-awareness and inclusive leadership. Our purpose is rooted in supporting cultural transformation, embedding diversity and inclusion as core values to create an environment where differences are celebrated. Our training in conflict resolution equips leaders with the skills to handle workplace conflicts constructively, fostering a respectful and cohesive workplace culture where tolerance thrives.
Find out more about Roffey Park Institute’s leadership development programmes and take the first step in making your organisation more tolerant.
