INCLUSION WEEK — HOW WE’RE FOSTERING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
2023-11-14 14:21:35.0
For our team to perform at their best, we recognise that they need to be supported with an environment that allows them to bring their whole selves to work — and this is a huge part of our responsibility as a Top Employer.
Inclusion Week is taking place between 13th and 17th November across both our Solihull and Belfast offices, and we’ll be utilising this opportunity to shine a spotlight on the multiple diversity and inclusion initiatives across the business.
This year, the chosen theme for Inclusion Week is ‘Resilience’, which focuses on giving our colleagues the tools and support they need, including great problem-solving skills, adaptability, perseverance, and improved productivity.
Our D&I expert
Clarisse Smith is a Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner at BNP Paribas Personal Finance, which means she is responsible for driving D&I across the business and is leading on the Inclusion Week initiative.
Clarisse has been in the role for almost a year, with her proudest achievement so far being the rollout of the Menopause and Fertility support across the business, which includes access to the Peppy app, as well as achieving external accreditation with a Silver Mind Workplace Wellbeing Award.
To support BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK’s commitment to wellbeing, Clarisse is proud to promote a series of networks, including nine Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) committees across the company — these range from our ‘Menopause Committee’ through to our ‘Mental Health Committee’.
Together, we encourage all team members to get involved in the networks to increase their confidence in opening their feelings and starting conversations with fellow colleagues.
With the open communication fostered through these groups, team members report that they feel more confident and supported. Therefore, it is our mission to create this environment for every single colleague in all areas of the business.
What colleagues can expect from Inclusion Week
We have plenty of activities planned for Inclusion Week, offering our team a raft of opportunities to choose from, such as:
- A Diwali celebration event in the office as well as a visit to a Hindu temple.
- A parent and carers panel event to discuss the initiatives in place to support colleagues who care for others at home.
- A career development and feedback session with our recruitment partners, Curve.
- The launch of our brand-new inclusive leadership session.
- A ‘Tea trolley’ outreach by the Disability Network to raise awareness about its activities.
- A ‘Big Network Get Together’ event to promote the benefits of committee membership.
Although we’re ramping up our activities during Inclusion Week, wellbeing is an important focus all year round.
Our aim is that Inclusion Week is a springboard for the future and increases colleagues’ understanding of the multitude of ways that we can support them.
Underpinning this activity, however, is the hope that colleagues will also gain greater confidence in having conversations with fellow employees about diversity and inclusion, ultimately allowing them to feel supported, empowered, and more productive.
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