Reinventing support for employees: Race and Equality Week

The theme for this year’s Race Equality Week is #ItsEveryonesBusiness and it’s a fitting and timely concept. The week starts on 6 February and aims to promote equality and combat discrimination against all races, especially in the workplace.

The 2023 theme is important because the large majority of people now believe making race everyone’s business will have a meaningful impact on tackling race inequality. At the heart of this theme is a belief that commitment is not measured by words, but by outcomes and actions.

As an ethnic minority female, I believe this week is an opportunity for us to reflect on our progress towards achieving racial equality. It’s also a chance to acknowledge the work of our employers – in my case, Delta Capita - to promote inclusivity.

I have seen that Delta Capita embraces and celebrates equality and diversity. It takes the steps necessary to ensure these values are recognised, for example, through the work of our diversity and inclusion committee and fostering diverse thought.

Embracing culture

Despite significant progress over recent years, many people still face numerous challenges and barriers in their daily lives. These include persistent racial disparities in areas such as employment, education, and healthcare; and the ongoing impact of systemic racism and prejudice.

Growing up as part of an ethnic minority, I have experienced my fair share of racial discrimination and microaggressions. I have felt the sting of prejudice, and have often felt my cultural identity was not valued or respected by those around me in many settings.

However, I have also been fortunate to have had teachers, mentors, friends and colleagues who have helped me see the beauty and value of my culture and embrace my identity with pride.

Promoting education

Race Equality Week aims to promote awareness about these issues and understanding of the experiences of people from all races. Everyone needs to play a role in promoting racial equality. This can be as simple as speaking out against discriminatory language or behaviour, supporting organisations that promote racial justice, or learning about different cultures and backgrounds.

One of the most powerful ways to promote racial equality is through education. By learning about the experiences and perspectives of people from different backgrounds, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and how racism affects their lives. We can use this understanding to inform our actions and advocate for change. It also means examining our biases and prejudices and consciously trying to challenge and overcome them.

During this week, it is important to celebrate the diversity and strength of our communities. We should embrace our differences, and work to build a future where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Overcoming implicit and systemic bias

Race Equality Week also brings an opportunity to celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and perspectives that people of different races bring to our communities. By embracing this diversity, we can build a more inclusive and accepting society and work environment, where we are all valued and respected.

One of the biggest challenges in promoting racial equality is the persistence of implicit bias and systemic racism. Implicit biases are unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that affect our behaviour and decisions, even when we are not aware of them. Systemic racism refers to the ways racial biases and inequalities are woven into the fabric of our institutions and structures, perpetuating disparities and discrimination.

By embracing diversity, educating ourselves and others, and taking action to eliminate discrimination, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

And remember - #ActionDrivesChange.

Support at Delta Capita

At Delta Capita, we value our employees’ wellbeing and want them to feel supported regardless of background, race, or culture.

Employees that feel supported in this way generally feel happier, healthier, and have more sense of engagement and belonging at work.

Are you looking for a new employer that values diversity and employee wellbeing? If so, look at our vacancies - and find out how Delta Capita are reinventing the workplace through employee-centred initiatives.

This is part of a series of articles about reinventing inclusion and support for employees. Other articles discuss Black History Month, South Asian Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Pride, Father’s Day, disability, Ramadan and Easter.