Meet 2024's Champions of Inclusion:
Our Top 100 Inclusive Employers Index is Live!

Connection matters – supporting someone who feels lonely.

A photograph of a young man standing alone as people rush past

Loneliness, a common experience affecting around 3 million people in England over the past two years, isn’t merely about being alone; one can feel lonely even in a crowd. It stems from a lack of connection and understanding from others, impacting mental health and being exacerbated by life changes like job transitions or bereavement. To support someone feeling lonely, it’s crucial to approach them without judgment, be patient, and listen actively.

How to balance well-being at work

A photo of a brightly lit room where colleagues sit in a circle

Promoting well-being requires a holistic approach to building an inclusive culture: flexible working arrangements, mental health training, regular data collection and clear policies. Long-term investment in employee well-being is crucial for organisational sustainability and growth. For support in building such a culture, the National Centre for Diversity offers relevant training options.

The impact of racism in the workplace

A silhouette of a person lit by a window

The text recounts a harrowing incident where Police Constable Chaudhry faced violent racial abuse while on the force. Despite relentless racial slurs and threats, Chaudhry managed to maintain his professionalism, though the lack of support from his colleagues and the deeply personal nature of the attack ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the police force. This experience underscores the persistent issues of racism and inadequate institutional support, which motivates Chaudhry’s commitment to fostering inclusive workplace cultures through initiatives like Investors in Diversity.

Dealing with Burnout at Work

An image of a group matches, several are burnt out

Employers can mitigate burnout by clarifying expectations, addressing workplace dynamics, listening to employee needs, supporting mental health, and improving communication of policies.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

A photo of a woman sat at in a restaurant from a distance.

The article discusses the profound impact of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s, on individuals and their families, sharing Dawn’s personal experiences with loved ones affected by the disease. Highlighting the rapid deterioration and emotional toll, Dawn emphasizes the importance of support from organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK. She encourages those affected to seek help and cherish positive memories despite the challenges of the disease.

What happens during Eid?

A photo of a muslim family sharing a meal, a young girl hugs the next of a woman wearing a headscarf

Solat Chaudhry, CEO of the National Centre for Diversity, describes Eid as a family event cherished by Muslims, akin to Christmas in the UK. He humorously notes the similarities in family dynamics, such as boorish relatives, excess food, and excited children. Eid involves a large family gathering, starting with a mosque visit and followed by a big meal and lively conversations, creating a nostalgic and joyous atmosphere.

Guest Post: VINCI Construction

A photograph of a woman stood at a podium delivering a speech

At the 2022 FREDIE Awards, Lenka Vošvrdová from VINCI Construction reflected on the company’s decade-long journey to becoming a top inclusive workplace. VINCI’s success in fostering Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement (FREDIE) was highlighted through gradual improvements, listening to employee feedback, and support from the National Centre for Diversity.

FREDIE Awards 2022

A photo of a man speaking at a podium, addressing a crowd that is out of frame

The National Centre for Diversity FREDIE Awards 2022 celebrated the UK’s top equality, diversity, and inclusion champions at Villa Park, Birmingham. The event honoured organisations and individuals for promoting Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement (FREDIE), highlighting their contributions to creating inclusive workplaces and improving community cultures.

FREDIE Spotlight: ScotRail Alliance

A monotone graphic. Text reads: FREDIE Spotlight Scotrail

Achieving excellence in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) involves creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. ScotRail’s journey demonstrates this through clear leadership commitment, comprehensive strategy, and an inclusive culture. Success requires transparent communication, measurable goals, and active engagement from all employees.