Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
Understanding Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging in the Workplace
We recently hosted a virtual interactive workshop, "The Holistic Case for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging," to explore how unconscious bias, privilege, and systemic racism impact workplace culture.
Global movements like Black Lives Matter have highlighted many underlying issues that need addressing. Our goal was to open a conversation about the shared responsibility of promoting equality, learning how to navigate this journey, and fostering a workplace culture where everyone truly belongs and thrives.
The Importance of Awareness and Education
The session was led by Chico Chakravorty, founder of Doing Diversity Differently, who provided essential context and terminology. Chico helped link racial issues in society to those within the workplace, offering insights on:
How well-meaning intentions can still lead to microaggressions
The process of unlearning unconscious biases that shape our worldview
Recognising privilege and taking meaningful steps forward to foster inclusivity in business
For a deeper understanding of systemic racism, we recommend watching this powerful video that explains its roots and impact in an accessible way.
Acknowledging Bias is the First Step
Creating a truly inclusive workplace requires self-reflection and a willingness to address existing biases. To attract a diverse workforce, organisations must actively engage with issues surrounding diversity and inclusivity—starting from within.
Ask yourself:
Does your workplace culture validate diverse perspectives, or does it dismiss them?
As a leader, do you practice active listening?
Are you prepared to have difficult but necessary conversations to drive change?
Join the Conversation
Following our workshop, we established a LinkedIn group, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in the NE. This is a safe space for North East business leaders to discuss and share best practices for creating fully inclusive workplaces where every employee feels valued and empowered.
Whether you're developing your existing workforce or recruiting new talent, this group connects the North East business community to address challenges and implement effective strategies for inclusivity. Join the group here.
Final Thoughts
Fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging isn’t just a moral responsibility—it’s a business imperative. By taking proactive steps to challenge biases, listen to underrepresented voices, and implement inclusive practices, organisations can build a truly thriving workplace where all employees feel they belong.
For further discussions and insights, join our LinkedIn group and be part of the change.