How can the communication profession do more to embrace diversity?
Comms Leaders LLP are ‘the match makers of recruitment’ and in my experience, refreshing to work with.
They hosted this diversity focused networking event at CIPR yesterday. You can follow the evenings events on twitter at #InclusiveComms.
The introduction highlighted that studies have shown that companies with employees from diverse age groups, ethnic and social backgrounds, physical abilities, gender and sexual orientations, are more likely to outperform their industry competitors.
The panel who discussed: Is the corporate communication profession doing enough to encourage inclusion and diversity? consisted of:
Our panel for the evening – @nabbencomms @jusstevenson @matt_jgale @j0gunleye @transform_coach @alt_different #inclusivecomms
— Comms Leaders LLP (@commsleaders) June 28, 2017
- Charlotte Butler, Founder of Altogether Different
Charlotte who admirably chaired the panel and fielded questions, stated inclusion starts with ‘I’ and quoted Anaïs Nin: “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.”
- Matthew Gale, Head of Firmwide Internal Communications at Deloitte
Matt and his team were responsible for this thought provoking and successfully received film.
- Angie Silverston, Inclusion and Diversity Specialist and Consultant with 30% Club
- Jennifer Ogunleye, Media Officer at City of London Corporation
- Jenny Nabben, Executive coach and Training Director at The Academy
- Justine Stevenson, Head of Group Internal Communication at London Stock Exchange Group.
It was disconcerting to hear that:
61% of people "cover" themselves at work @Matt_JGale #exhausting #inclusivecomms
— Comms Leaders LLP (@commsleaders) June 28, 2017
Key takeaways
- Everyone is responsible for diversity and inclusion
- Networks and forums are helpful but can lead to groups separating/feeling different from the wider community
- Local cultures and laws always need to be taken into account when communicating globally
- Honesty and transparency is key.
I look forward to the Clients Charter which Comms Leaders will be following up with.