Policy or People What Really Drives Inclusion

In 2026, the landscape of inclusion is being reshaped by rapid technological advancement, evolving geopolitical realities, hybrid workforce models, and shifting generational expectations. Inclusion is foundational to business resilience, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

The critical question, however, is not whether inclusion matters, but how it truly takes root: through formal policies, or through the everyday behaviors, values, and cultural norms that shape employee experience.

To explore this, senior leaders from across industries convened for a high-impact roundtable titled “Policy or People: What Really Drives Inclusion?”, held as part of the Avtar & Seramount Best of Best Conference & Awards 2025. The discussion examined how organizations can move beyond checklists to embed inclusion as a lived, sustained reality.

This whitepaper captures the insights, tensions, and breakthroughs from the conversation, drawing on perspectives from DEI leaders, HR strategists, business heads, and culture architects—each bringing both organizational expertise and personal conviction to the table.