By: Nicole Slaughter Graham

When we think about inclusion, it’s often easy to think about groups whose identities are, well, identifiable, but inclusion is more nuanced than only making space for what we can see. As Heather Hasse recently in a blog post for her site, Agent Inner Circle, “true inclusion requires considering (identity) aspects that are often left in the background.”

She continues: “I’ve learned that inclusion isn’t just about providing a seat at the table; it’s about making sure everyone feels comfortable once they’re there. Whether it’s offering food options for those with dietary restrictions, creating alcohol-free spaces, or making room for quiet spaces for introverts to recharge, inclusion should meet people where they are.”

Hasse, a productivity coach and real estate professional at Keller Williams Realty, Inc., in Beavercreek Ohio, and a YPN member, provides some advice on making sure inclusion considers identities that aren’t necessarily easy to identify.

Consider Mental Health Needs

Even those without a named mental health condition need grace and flexibility on some days. Those with mental health concerns see their worlds through the lenses of their mental health, and some days are better than others. “Mental health is at the core of how we navigate both our personal and professional lives. However, it’s still often overlooked in professional settings,” Hasse writes. “I’ve witnessed this in many situations—people are expected to power through anxiety or burnout without adequate support. I’ve learned that taking care of our mental health creates a ripple effect that impacts every aspect of our lives, including our business success.”

Real estate leaders and brokerages can address this with proactivity, offering resources and support before mental health concerns become so consuming that a professional feels defeated by them. It’s also important to realize that mental health also includes diverse learners who might require special accommodations. It’s important to create an environment where they feel comfortable and empowered to ask for what they need.

Not Everyone Drinks Alcohol

It’s almost a given that a function will include alcohol, which seems to be quite true in the real estate industry, but not everyone drinks alcohol. In fact, some people might avoid events that overly rely on alcohol, because they might feel isolated if they’re one of the few (or only) people not drinking. Rather than building all events around alcohol, one approach is offer some with alcohol and some without—or to make alcohol more of a backdrop than a main character.

“When we started organizing coffee hours in addition to happy hours at YPN, it wasn’t about taking away from the social events that worked well,” Hasse explained in her post. “It was about expanding our inclusion to give people a choice—a space for meaningful conversation that wasn’t alcohol-centered. This shift allowed more people to participate and connect, including those who wanted to spend time with their families in the evenings, early birds, or simply didn’t drink.”

Dietary Restrictions are Real

Some people have food allergies. Others abstain from certain things for personal or religious reasons. The reason someone does not eat a certain food isn’t important, but providing alternatives so everyone can feel welcome and included at an event is. “When planning events, try to make it a point to offer options for vegetarians, those on low-carb diets, or those with gluten sensitivities. Something as simple as having an unbreaded protein at lunch or offering bananas along with muffins at breakfast can make a world of difference for someone with specific needs,” Hasse writes.

Whether you’re hosting networking or learning event or evaluating your office’s culture, you want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and welcome. As Hasse puts it, “Whether through offering alcohol-free networking options, acknowledging dietary needs, or providing mental health resources, inclusion is about seeing the whole person and making room for all parts of their identity.”

Nicole Slaughter Graham is a contributing editor at REALTOR® Magazine and the manager of the YPN Lounge. Connect with her at ngraham@nar.realtor.