Diversity, Inclusion and Equality in the Workplace

 As a Human Resource (HR) professional, one of my greatest passions is promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, in the workplace.  This is a very personal topic for me and I intend to do it justice.

Childhood

If you had asked me, as a child, what I wanted to be when I ‘grew up’, the answer would be completely different to what is now, my reality.

I was a girly girl some of the time and a tomboy playing with my older brother, the rest of the time.  I had been brought up in a home without prejudice.  My parents both worked hard to support the family and we were encouraged to take part in activities, as a family, in our spare time.

My brother and I were (most of the time), like friends.  We would play out together, play computer games as a team and I would even follow behind my brother on my bike, as he completed his part time job, delivering newspapers.

Changing Times

As my brother went on to senior school and I was nearing the end of primary education, our interests began to change.  Richard, my brother, was discovering new things as an adolescent and I grew more and more interested in studying, especially science.

The only present on my Christmas list that year, was a chemistry set and I was thrilled when I got this.  It was perfect, it came with test tubes, a Bunsen burner and LOTS of exciting experiments.

By the time I had reached secondary, I was sure that I wanted to be a scientist and I could not wait to be in the lab, in chemistry lessons.  I still have somewhere, a picture I had drawn of myself as a ‘grown up’, a very stylish scientist standing in front of a red Porsche 911.  That was the dream.

Staying True

Shortly after I had drawn said picture, I found myself speaking to a beauty queen mentor, as I was due to appear as a finalist at a beauty pageant.

“So, what do you want to be when you are older?” she asked me.

When she heard of my dream, she was not sure how to respond.

We had also discussed my favourite role play game at home – playing vet to my two cats.

“Maybe you should talk about your love of animals?” she suggested.

But, I did not actually want to be a vet, I just liked playing it at home.  Just like I had no interest in getting married and having babies, but I adored caring for my shop bought doll, baby, Michael.

It was all a little rushed, we had around 10 minutes with our mentors before we took to the stage.

So far, I was the people’s favourite, as it was called.  The audience had responded well each time I had taken to the stage.  This was the final topic.  Careers.

I nervously took my spot and anxiously awaited the spotlight shining on me.  I listened to my fellow competitors speaking of world peace and animal welfare.  As my turn came, I bravely looked up and confessed that when I grew up, I wanted to be a mad scientist.  I had a few laughs, I had a few cheers, lots of smiles from the audience, but I noticed unimpressed looks from the show judges.

A few moments later, the winner was announced.  It was not me.  I had been crowned the deputy, I could stand in for the winner, when they were unable to carry out their duties.  Quite understandably, my mother refused to allow me to accept the position.

The crowd were not happy, my parents were amongst the audience and had told me about the shocked reaction they had witnessed.

The Harsh Reality of Society in the 80’s

I felt ashamed of myself for not following the judge’s suggestions.  I made the decision to be true to myself, a very brave decision for a young girl, but it came at a cost.

That experience changed everything for me.  I found myself part of a new group of friends and I slowly started to lose interest in science, both at school and at home.

Now, I am not sure that science was destined to be my path and I am very happy with the career that I later found – even though I do seem to be drawn to working with chemical related companies!  But I often remember that experience and wish that there could be way to support children better, with their career choices.

Britain HAS Got Talent, If You Are Willing to find it!

My specialism is managing talent.  I support businesses in finding and developing the right people for their companies.  This includes;

• coaching and supporting existing employees through their career
• sourcing individuals to fill present roles, and
• planning for future stars, by engaging with apprentices, interns and graduates.

At a time when we are facing significant skills gaps in the UK, we need to encourage the entire pool of our future workforce into roles, regardless of race, gender and other characteristics, which have previously been considerations for employers and careers advisers.

Our children deserve the opportunity to explore their dream occupations and to decide for themselves, if that is the path for them.

Showing Children Who They Can Be

My company, E&D Talent have an exciting new project.  We have been creating short videos to demonstrate a variety of careers to children.

We create one video per role and have we been meeting professionals across a range of a careers.

The videos are short, fun and informative.  They cover the basics of each occupation, demonstrate some skills which can be identified in children and will also show the real people behind the profession.  To show that these people may not be too different to the children viewing the videos.

Of course, we have ensured to focus as much as we can on addressing current, important topics.  The videos will challenge stereotypes, will celebrate diversity and will also raise awareness of local sole traders and self-employment.

To view our videos – please visit Team E&D on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyanKwXNFMg&list=PLZel-NOoL83N_kG1uZzcNNM1iRkeEp2J1

Together, we can try to change the perception of others and encourage our children to follow their dreams!