What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘diversity and inclusion’? We asked the public and this is what they had to say.
Val, a company director, said “I think it's been fair, isn't it? So, it encompasses so many things. I just don't think it's about colour or sexuality. I think there's more to it - or disability. And there's hidden agendas like whether you're dyslexic. I think the world we are now to what we are in 10 years,
diversity encompasses so many things, but what's really important is it affects people in different ways."
Tom's view was it’s “Getting different minds together to create better ideas”.
Panilla shared, “So, for me, it's all about equal opportunities. It's about including everybody in the workplace, so everybody has a fair chance of attaining their career ambitions or being part of a team on equal terms”.
Amy’s view was, “Different ways of thinking and different perspectives, I think on a task. So that kind of group dynamic and getting different opinions and ways of doing things”.
Tom, a real estate solicitor, said “I think it's about ensuring that everyone in the workplace has the ability to work equally and be inclusive and making those adaptations that you may need to make sure that everyone is equal where they work and no one is singled out for any certain characteristic.”
And Lisa shared “In the workplace I would say just a more inclusive workforce. So different people from different backgrounds, more mixed in gender as well as in backgrounds and from where they've come from really.”
Charles said, “I think it's dealing with underrepresented members of society, potentially black ethnic minorities, people who have maybe come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and anybody who really doesn't have a very fair standing or start in life.”
Simon’s view was “Just welcoming everyone basically. I don’t think there's anything more, you know, just welcome everyone and treat everyone the same.
Louise shared a personal story “I am ex-military and when I was in the forces anybody who was gay, transsexual etcetera was kicked out of the army. So, times have now changed, and the workplace has become so inclusive that it's fantastic.”
If you'd like to learn more about Diversity and Inclusion, and learn effective ways of talking to your people leaders and employees about DE&I, get in touch and book a one to one with a member of our consulting team.