06/05/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/05/2023 03:01
Wednesday 5th July marks National Diversity and Inclusion Day and offers us employers an opportunity to celebrate the ways we all can create a more inclusive world. These include both the small actions that make a difference and the big efforts business make to embrace diversity and inclusion every day.
Leaders, managers, and professionals in Ireland work every day to make their workplaces more open and welcoming. At Ibec, we are lucky enough to hear the awe-inspiring tales of organisations that go the extra mile to promote equality, acceptance, and belonging.
HR and business see the value of diversity and inclusion as a business imperative not a "nice to have." It is essential to fostering an environment where workers feel heard and valued, where employees from a variety of cultures and backgrounds are proud to work for their organisation. The dial has shifted, and that is due to the work carried out by those with a passion for inclusion.
Some of the work on diversity and inclusion (D&I) is brought through HR policies which can have a significant impact on the personal and professional lives of those in their organisation. They can help balance employees' responsibilities, such as caring for children or elderly relatives, pursue further education, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Someone's sense of belonging may be enhanced due to the cultural awareness training provided. The lives of others around you will be better because of your commitment to practices that strengthen diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. Therefore, on National Diversity and Inclusion Day, we take stock of how far we've come in creating organisations that value and respect the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees.
Start your celebrations internally. Look to your culture, is it open, communicative, and transparent, where leaders are committed, and employees are engaged? Share the initiatives and policies you have in place to support the life stages and experiences of those in your organisations.
First reflect on important questions that will form the foundations for your culture:
Next consider examples of initiatives to share:
Share your supports and contextualise them by emphasising how each initiative strengthens your culture.
Celebrations will vary from one organisation to the next. Some may celebrate national D&I day on a grand scale, while others may opt for a more low-key celebration. Below are some suggestions that we hope will act as inspiration for you:
Your work is making a difference. CELEBRATE IT.
Tell your tale. Share, shout, and boast, whether that is your own personal story or the story of your organisation.
Use hashtag #D&Iday23 to let us all share in your positive story. We thank you for your continued dedication in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Samantha Owens
Policy Executive
Ibec
You are welcome to participate in Ibec's Diversity Forum. This collaborative and supportive forum has over 480 professionals with responsibility for Diversity and Inclusion. At each meeting we tend to have internal and external speakers focusing on important topics including, gender balance; inclusive recruitment, mental health, and wellbeing; LGBT+ issues including Ally programmes and transitioning; ageing and the generations in the workplace.
Access to this forum is included as part of your Ibec membership. For more information or to join our forum email: [email protected]
You might also be interested in our Diversity and Inclusion hub. This resource hub is the first of its kind and provides, guidance, sample policies and insight into a variety of areas of diversity and inclusion.