Why Diversity is Good for Business

18/05/2022 15:38:30

Pride flag being waved
 
In the last year a lot has changed in the workplace but the importance of diversity and inclusion hasn’t gone anywhere. Diversity and inclusion are still integral ingredients to promoting a positive and productive company culture. The joy and power of recognising the full value of everyone is not only important for employee wellbeing but, it will benefit businesses as a whole.
 

Pride

 
The start of summer Pride celebrations kick off with LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in June, with themed events happening until October.
 
June is recognised as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month to commemorate a revolution in history – The Stonewall Uprising, which lasted 6 days in Manhattan in June 1969 as police clashed with LGBTQ+ protesters. The legacy of this event was an enabler for LGBTQIA+ activism and pride.
 
LGBTQIA+ Pride is about acceptance, equality and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. 
 
Today, Pride celebrations attract millions of participants each year as communities and allies honour equality and diversity through parades, workshops, parties, festivals, lectures, concerts, and more. 
 

Ideas for celebrating Pride at work 

 
Whether working remotely or in the office, Pride can be celebrated throughout the company.
 

1. Get Educated

 

Create educational resources for your employees about the history of Pride and the importance of diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

There are many resources available online to create training material. Stonewall has published a report  about LGBTQIA+ work trends in Britain; this will provide your employees with insight into trends and how they can adapt their work style to support others.

 

2. Donate to LGBTQIA+ causes

 
Studies show a correlation between positive employee outcomes and aligned employee values and beliefs. 

A great way to celebrate Pride at work is to show employees you have the same values. Offer custom rewards like a donation to LGBTQIA+ charities.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ charities in the UK:
Stonewall
Mind Out
LGBT Foundation 
Kaleidoscope Trust
 

3. Update your company email signatures

 
Add a supporting message to your email signature, “celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community”. 

Pro tip: In your HR system, set up a field for employees to declare their pronouns. This can be automated and added to the base of emails. Identifying and sharing pronouns is a positive, inclusive practice that will make employees feel confident and a part of the team.
 

4. Switch up your video call background

 
Using Microsoft Teams, Zoom or another video calling software? Celebrate Pride with custom backgrounds! Backgrounds can include an affirming messaging and colours of LGBTQIA+ Pride as well as your organisation’s branding elements.
 

 5. Update company social media pictures with Pride frames, banners and filters

 
Create a simple banner of LGBTQIA+ colours and flags for employees to use on their professional profiles. Branding elements and logos should also be applied to make it unique to your business. 
 

 6. Incorporate gender neutral language

 
Gender neutral language will avoid bias towards a particular gender. For example, use the pronoun ‘they’ for those whose pronouns are unknown. This will contribute towards an inclusive environment. 

Once pronouns are established, use the correct ones and encourage colleagues to do the same! 
 

 7. Connect with fun branded merchandise

 
You can’t celebrate Pride without merchandise! We have a whole host of options to choose from - rainbow flags, notebooks, wrist bands and badges – don’t forget to go beyond the rainbow, too. 

Did you know that there are different flags to represent the LGBTQIA+ community? Knowing your employee’s pronouns can help you establish which flags represent your organisation. 
 
 

Woven Cloth Badge

Perfect to pin on to bags, jackets and other items of clothing! Made of woven cloth, it’ll make you stand out whilst raising awareness of Pride.

Woven cloth pride badge on a backpack
   
 Recycled paper rainbow Pride flags

Recycled Paper Flags - A5

Holding or attending a Pride event? Flags are the ideal way for attendees to show their support. Manufactured from recycled paper with a biodegradable stick, you will be eco-friendly too!

   

25mm Circular Recycled Button Badge          

Wear your flag-themed badge on a lanyard, shirt or bag with pride. Made in the UK from recycled material and digitally printed in full colour - we can even add your chosen pronoun to each badge to keep continuity with your Pride email signatures. 

 
Recycled rainbow pride button badges  
   
 Rainbow Pride silicone wristband

Silicone Wristbands (Multicoloured material) 

Ideal to wear at work or in your free time. Rainbow-themed wristbands not only represent Pride but also offer extra branding space to print your company’s Pride statement on them.
   
 

Rainbow Socks

Gift rainbow socks to your employees to show your customers that you’re a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Rainbow Pride socks  
 

Drive awareness of Diversity and Inclusion within your organisation this Pride season.

Take a look at the curated collection of Pride merchandise on our website, or get in touch to find out more about the range of branded items available!

 
 get your branded reusable coffee cups
 
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