Examples of Good Practice

 

LIGHT A BEACON OF HOPE IN YOUR ORGANISATION - SERVING DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN FOOD TO MEET DIVERSE TASTES IS A SIMPLE WAY OF RESPECTING BIO-DIVERSITY AND AVOIDING THE COMPLEXITY OF CATERING FOR DIFFERENT DIETS

There are so many ways of making a workplace open and welcoming of diversity. Here are some suggestions by Dr. Atul Shah:

• Hospitality is the simplest way of respecting a visitor to your organisation. At the reception, is there a glass of water available to those who are waiting? Do visitors know it is there, or even better, can you offer one to anyone who comes, without even asking?

• Training of staff is critical to opening their minds. This is also a legal requirement for managers and above. Let them know about differences in people, and how these could be respected and supported, rather than denied, bullied or suppressed.

• Major faith and cultural festivals can be celebrated in the workplace. Large employers like HSBC, Tesco, Ernst & Young, Barclays, Marks & Spencer, are now doing this in different parts of the organisation. This is a way of showing respect, and also of educating staff about different cultures and beliefs.

• Employers are required to provide facilities for prayer and meditation. These can be used positively to reduce stress in the workplace. Unfortunately, many employers see the rules as a hassle instead of an opportunity.

• In marketing to different countries in the world, have you considered asking your existing staff about any contacts or know-how? If you keep details of ethnicity and countries of origin, languages and other cultural skills, these can be most helpful and save you lots of money in hiring external consultants. Build your cultural competence internally.

• Food at diverse events is often so poor. When you know that different kinds of people are coming, with different dietary requirements, do make sure you can accomodate these. Otherwise, a delicious vegetarian meal is a universal treat, and I have often found non-vegetarians eyeing my food! Also in this way, you not only respect diversity, but also bio-diversity - by respecting each and every living being.

• At the interview, there is no harm in asking people about their passions and values, and trying to understand what it is that motivates and drives them.

Article added on 27th November 2009 at 1:39pm