diversity

As many companies the world over have taken a public stance in support of Pride Month throughout June, the discussions around diversity, inclusivity and acceptance at the workplace have been placed under the spotlight.

For Mark A. Smith, a business adviser and Chief Revenue Officer at Webware.io, diversity at work calls for employers to be champions for their people.

Sharing a personal experience of his own, Mr Smith recalled finding an employee sobbing through a panic attack at work, to later find out at hospital that he had recently “come out as gay and that he was still feeling difficulty from all areas of his life.”

“It wasn’t that he was feeling any direct attacks. His immediate family was supportive. His extended family was less than supportive, but they weren’t as important to him,” he wrote. “The issue was simply that he had spent 20+ years living in a world which rejected him, and new rejection lurked around every corner.”

The CRO says that most of his supporters were, “at best, ‘tolerant’. And no one thrives when they are ‘tolerated’.”

“As employers, we must show our people that, despite any struggles at home, for the 1/3 of the day they spend with us, they are safe from any adversity related to their sexual identity. Tolerance doesn’t deserve a trophy. Champions earn trophies. Let’s be champions for our people.”

Related

Use self-compassion to achieve your goals

22 March 2023
by Karl Grech

I recently shared a LinkedIn post about not getting obsessed with particular goals, striving to achieve them at all costs, ...

JCI Malta organises conference on sustainable leadership

22 March 2023
by Robert Fenech

The event will be followed by a public speaking competition.

10 ways for team leaders to foster psychological safety in their teams

21 March 2023
by Mario Cassar

Amy Edmondson defines psychological safety as 'The belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ...

Self-employment and self-care: Learning to make the most out of client cancellations

20 March 2023
by Fabrizio Tabone

Sales and Leadership Trainer and Coach Alex Falzon discusses the difficulties of finding time for self-care in the hectic life ...

Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami