Space for encounters - thoughts about diversity

In order for everyone to be able to be who they are in working life, and in order to create a situation, where no one has to fear discussions of private life at a coffee machine, we need to be aware of our own ignorance and make room for encounters and learning. In this blog, I share my own thoughts on diversity and inclusion evoked by Pride Month.

I recently read an article based on various surveys that told how young people from sexual and gender minorities felt they could be more open about themselves during their studies, but working life takes them back to the closet. We understand that diversity in the work community is a huge asset and resource. Despite this, we also know how those who belong to sexual and gender minorities all too often have to conceal their personal lives in the workplace in fear of discrimination and prejudice.

I would like our work community to be open to everyone and not force anyone into the closet. Where everyone could be who they are and tell about theirselves what they want, without fear of discrimination. However, I'm aware that we still have a long way to go in this regard.

In order to develop our organizational culture into one where everyone is valued as they are and where no one has to worry about conversations of private life in front of a coffee machine, we need to talk openly and boldly about successes, but also about grievances and areas of development.

Awareness and acceptance of ignorance

I don’t want to talk about these things only in June during Pride Month. I want us to boldly point out the areas of development and successes, regardless of the timing.

I myself belong to the majority of people in many respects. I am aware of my own ignorance, but I also accept it, and I do not claim to be omniscient in matters of diversity and inclusion - despite of my role. However, I believe that this is also a key to success here: the first step in building a diverse work community is to be aware of your own prejudices, backgrounds and privileges.

Possibilities to encounter

The shift toward recognizing one’s own unconscious prejudices requires sharing information and open discussion. Raising awareness. In line with the Helsinki Pride Encounters theme, it is important that we create space and time in the workplace for people to meet and discuss, and thereby increase our understanding and awareness.

To increase encounters and foster a diverse work community, this year we assembled a group of our volunteer experts, the Inclusion Team, to highlight the staff’s perspective on diversity and inclusion, and provide opportunities for our experts to meet new people and raise their own awareness. The journey towards a work community which is open to everyone requires a lot of work. To succeed in this, we must continually develop our own thinking and keep these themes constantly present in the work community every day of the year.

Niina Vilske
Inclusion and Diversity Leader, PwC Finland