Reflecting on diversity and inclusion during Diversity Day
The "7 checkboxes" (from the book of Joris Luijendijck) is a much-discussed phenomenon for many reasons. Either way, it holds up a mirror. Also in our workplace. But diversity and inclusion within a company is about more than those checkboxes. It is about respecting each other's differences, valuing diversity and embracing and utilising everyone's unique talents. So it is important to make room for difference, because difference enriches.
"Only when you are yourself can you make the most of your talents. Not just at work, but everywhere and always. When there is space for the other, everyone can make a unique contribution. That's how we form a stronger whole together." - SER
Under the motto "difference enriches", the SER, together with concerned organisations, is organising Diversity Day today. Through SER 'Diversity in Business', they are actively contributing to valuing differences and embracing unique talents in the workplace.
It is important to reflect on this. In the Netherlands, for instance, we see that there is still a pay gap. The difference between what men and women earn on average has widened over the past two years. In addition, white men are still overrepresented in high-paying jobs.
"Society does not need to become more inclusive and diverse, it IS that already" - Zoë Papaikonomou
Also at Schuttelaar & Partners we celebrate Diversity Day. If we want to remain an organisation at the centre of society, it is important to improve our understanding of diversity, inclusion and equality. Today, with our offices in Wageningen, The Hague and Brussels, we are organising several knowledge sessions and a Privilege Game, where we will gain more insight into our privileges and what they mean in terms of diversity and inclusion. We also actively engage with each other using talking cards. How familiar are we actually with the themes of diversity, inclusiveness and equality? Through Diversity Day, we try to make these conversations more embedded in the organisation and at the same time we continue to work on our diversity policy.