Pandemic reflection: If this year since the first Covid-19 lockdown (UK) has taught employers anything, it is the need to be agile and respond to changes in the external environment plus the changing needs of the workforce.
Responding quickly to office closures required not just investment in enabling technology, but also rapid culture change, a significant increase in trust.
Employers also had to understand that we cannot be expected to be working effectively for 100% of our online time. Working from home while home schooling in a pandemic hammered home the point that we were parents, carers, members of the community… PEOPLE, not “human resources”.
New marginalised groups came to light e.g. those who live alone, maybe struggling with isolation, introverts who find it hard to find their voice in online meetings, working parents struggling to concentrate or unmute in meetings, overwhelmed with conflicting priorities.
“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard” (Liz Fosslein).
The pandemic offered a new lens for #diversity#inclusion and #belonging. This is not about protected characteristics, but our whole selves- including our home life, responsibilities and interests outside of work.
Ausome Charlie Neurodiversity Advocate 