At Octavius we want to be an inclusive and a great place for everyone to work, so we recently launched our approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) including how we support diverse talent acquisition and retention.
We willingly and enthusiastically embrace and celebrate our differences – in experiences, backgrounds, ways of thinking and working. Being inclusive is not only the right thing to do; it also means that our colleagues are more engaged, motivated and productive.
At Octavius, we define Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity as follows:
Equality enables us to create a fairer society where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Equality is backed by legislation (Equality Act 2010) which is designed to address unfair discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, to advance equality of opportunity, and to foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. However, this is everyone’s responsibility as well.
Diversity is about recognising that people are individuals and therefore differ from each other in a variety of ways. Octavius is committed to ensuring that the diversity of employees, customers and suppliers is valued, and as such, viewed positively and as something to be harnessed for the benefit of the company.
Inclusion refers to the individual’s experience within the workplace and in wider society, and the extent to which they feel valued and included.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are different things that need to be progressed together.
Equity is about being fair and impartial, recognising we do not all start from the same place, and should acknowledge difference and make adjustments as required.
How we are embracing EDI
It’s all about creating a working environment and culture where every individual regardless of their background can feel safe, valued, appreciated and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Everyone benefits when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas and ways of working that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities bring to an organisation.
At Octavius we are focusing on building an inclusive workplace and over the last 12 months we have launched our first employee Network, The EDI Network, launched the Young Person’s Network subgroup and have many more in the pipeline. We have also held two in person events and our first social event.
June is Pride Month.
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community gets together to celebrate Pride in many different ways. There are many events that recognise the influence and positive change that LGBT people have brought over the years. Pride is held each June as this was when the Stonewall riots took place back in 1969.
The Evolution of Pride Month
What started out as a protest is now a celebration and symbol of hope for LGBTQ+ communities around the world. However, there is still so much work to do. While a lot of progress has been made, there are many LGBTQ+ people who still feel the need to (or legally must) live and love the way they choose in private and out of sight. Pride will continue to grow and evolve to help communities worldwide to gain the rights others take for granted and to make a stand wherever necessary.
How Pride Month is Celebrated Today
Today, Pride celebrations include parades, parties, picnics, peaceful protests, concerts, workshops and so much more. LGBT events around the world attract millions of participants and everybody, gay, straight, in or out, is welcome to attend.
Memorials are also held during Pride Month to remember members of the community who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDs or hate crimes.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community During Pride
There are many ways you can show your support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond.
- Take time to learn about the history of LGBTQ rights.
- Wear pride colours.
- You could also volunteer at a Pride event.
- Many events are run solely by volunteers and it’s probably one of the most fun times you can have while working.
