As National Inclusion Week continues, we’re exploring this year’s theme Impact Matters and the ways we can all have an impact on making Carnival UK a more inclusive place to work.
Inclusion and diversity isn’t a ‘tick box exercise’, it’s essential. Having a variety of colleagues from different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life gives us the balance of voices and thoughts that we need to be successful.
How can all of us make an impact in being more inclusive? Here are 7 top tips:
1. Be your authentic self
Be brave enough to show up and be professionally authentic, remembering that whatever you put out there will be reflected back. Ensure that your values shine through and take time to speak and get to know your colleagues. Share your own differences with them and remember to treat everyone with respect.
2. Speak up about inclusion
Following on from being your authentic self – always speak up in a healthy way ensuring that your decision aligns with your values and beliefs. Don’t be afraid to be the lone voice in the room.
3. Think about how you communicate
Be mindful of the words that you use. If words are not used correctly, they can be misinterpreted. So, for instance, when opening a conversation with your team avoid using gender-specific words like, ‘guys’ or ‘ladies’, especially in the presence of gender non-conforming or mixed-gender individuals. This could result in misgendering, and cut off people from the conversation.
Be patient, always listen and allow others to speak and express themselves. Respect the time of the person you are interacting with, give them your full attention by being sensitive and not interrupting and over-talking.
Consider your approach. If you know someone finds it uncomfortable to discuss inclusion then find a way that they can easily digest it. Treat people and groups fairly and based on their unique characteristics, rather than on stereotypes.
Try using terms like, ‘That’s a different perspective’ or ‘I see your point of view’ or ‘I never thought of it that way’. This keeps the conversation inclusive.
4. Respond from a place of personal experience
When contributing to a conversation use lines like ‘in my opinion’ or ‘based on what I have read and learned’ or ‘according to my experience’. Don’t dismiss contributions from other people. This is important and regardless of whether you agree, it helps keep the conversation open to all.
5. Talk about pronouns
It’s ok to ask which pronouns someone prefers; in fact, it’s seen as a positive trait showing your curiosity and acceptance. By doing this you welcome everyone into the conversation, and you lead by example to other colleagues. You can read more about this here.
6. Challenge stereotypes
Whether it be about unconscious biases, lack of information, the influence of the media, or teachings coming from our cultural and social beliefs, stereotypes can lead to actions and reactions that can sometimes be exclusive and unfair. When meeting someone new, recognise the power that your own biases have, how they are making you feel. Take a breath before you move forward.
7. Support and celebrate each other’s differences
Educate yourself in your colleagues’ backgrounds. Listen to them when they tell you about their culture, learn about their lived experiences and talk about what matters to them. Being curious and learning about each other is a great way to be more open-minded and play your part in helping everyone to feel included.
Don’t forget to share your impact stories to WIN £100!
How are you making an impact to help your colleagues feel included? Perhaps another colleague has made an impact and helped you? We’d love to hear all about it!
Share your stories with Internal Comms to be entered into our prize draw to WIN £100 of WOW points to spend on something you love!
Please be assured we won’t share your stories without your permission.
Terms and conditions: Prize draw is open from 18/09/24 to 01/10/24 to all Carnival UK employees, as well as Corporate Shipbuilding and sister brand employees based in Carnival House. Only one entry per person is permitted. Winner will be selected at random and contacted by Internal Comms. Winner will receive £100 of WOW points which will be loaded to their Carnival UK Perks at Work account to spend as they wish . Prize is non-transferrable and there is no cash alternative.