Cork Pride at Work Diversity & Inclusion Conference Organisers
So, what can businesses do to better support and create a safe and welcoming workplace for those who may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning or allies (LGBT+) in the workplace? 1. Creation of LGBT+ Inclusive Policies and Practices, ensuring alignment with the Employment Equality Acts, the Equal Status Act, Safety, Health and Welfare Acts.
more productive 15% The study concluded that gender diverse teams are Team member diversity helps to attract and retain talent, foster innovation, increase employee NPS scores, collaborate more effectively, increase shareholder value and guess what, and people perform significantly better when they can be themselves at work. Diverse teams bring diversity of thought. According to a McKinsey Study, it revealed some interesting statistics about diversity. Supporting LGBT+ employees is not just the right thing to do, it is good for business too.
Sarah O’Donnell is Diversity & Inclusion Officer for a global e-commerce company and currently undertaking a Masters in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She is a passionate advocate and ally, building out strategies to create globally diverse and inclusive work environments. Damien O’Halloran is a Senior Technical Support professional with 24 years industry experience, having most recently held the role of Senior Director of Customer Support and Customer Experience for Virtustream, by Dell Technologies, leading this globally diverse team with team members based in Cork, Utah, Durham, Atlanta and Bangalore. Damien is also actively involved in multiple Diversity & Inclusion functions. Kery Mullaly handles the sponsorships and strategic partnerships remit of the Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival and is also the MD of fundraising, marketing and events Company Fundfest. Kery has brokered partnerships and sponsorships across many high profile events including the Guinness Jazz Festival, Electric Picnic, the Cork Midsummer Festival, and the Cork International Choral Festival. Kery has been involved in the Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival for the past ten years. Don Crowley is Head of Department of Organisation & Professional Development at Munster Technological University (MTU). MTU is a diverse and inclusive higher education institution. Following consultation with a range of stakeholders, MTU’s new Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace, commencing September 2021, is aimed at industry professionals leading D&I in their place of work. Ronan Kenny is a customer focused professional, with a background in technical support, customer service and customer success from both large multinational companies to start up cultures. Passionate about enabling cross collaboration of teams and business units, with an additional focus on Great Places To Work, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and knowledge sharing within an organization.
2. Demonstrable support and sponsorship from executive leadership, the board and other senior leaders in the organisation.
more productive 35% and ethnically diverse teams are 0.8%
3. Creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including LGBT+ employees, where they can bring their true authentic self to the workplace without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The study went on to claim that for every 10% increase in ethnic diversity on the senior team there is a 0.8%
4. Ensure employee benefits are to include and support LGBT+ employees and families.
increase in earnings.
5. D&I Training and Education, not just to tick the box or to avoid legal situations, but to truly invest in bringing diversity and inclusion to the forefront through active discussion, awareness and continuous education.
While many employers or organisations are well underway with diversity and inclusion programs, others are just getting started and that’s ok! The important thing is that while significant progress has been made, so much more can be done to support diversity and inclusion.
6. Establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) , promoting not just ‘enroling’ but engagement and being an active member of the ERGs.
7. Support of local LGBT+ charities and causes that support the community and events.
8. Don’t make assumptions, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, don’t be afraid to ask, but most importantly, if you see or hear something that’s just not right, don’t be afraid to call it out.
9. Be an ally. We’re all allies to one another in some shape or form. Let’s all support each other, that’s how we make change real.
10. Set realistic D&I goals and measure your successes and failures, if you don’t know where you’re going, how can you ever expect to get there.
Register now online at www.workwithpride.ie or by following the link on www.corkpride.com Agenda & Schedule of events can also be found on the website, or by scanning the QR code. For further details or ticketing enquiries, please email info@corkpride.com or contact 086 727 3888
www.corkpride.com
#CorkPride2021
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