DEI – Beyond the Buzzwords

DEI – Beyond the Buzzwords

Diversity, equity and inclusion, also known as DEI, are needed to create an empathetic, accepting and progressive working environment in our society. 

Creating this is no longer a nice to have but a financial and business imperative. McKinsey have said for some time that those organisations that invest in gender and ethnic diversity, outperform those who do not.

GCHQ have publicly stated that a diverse workplace drives creativity and agility, both needed in today’s shock prone business environment.

Lastly any workplace that is interested in either attracting or recruiting people younger than 65 and has an homogenised non inclusive culture will fall at the first hurdle. Everyone can see and will be judging you.

DEI is not flowery, it’s not a walk in the park and it’s definitely not a tick box. 

You will need to be creative, to think about your organisation and what will work for you. It is challenging, especially for those who for a multitude of reasons have felt uncomfortable in this space.

This is where this session is a fuel injected eye opener, on a series of issues that are fast becoming strategic success criteria. 

DEI is necessary to nurture a culture of collaboration and respect amongst all communities and demographics. 

In the coworking movement, we understand how crucial these elements are in modern culture and environments, so we decided to go further. 

Historically, the workplace has been a breeding ground for a culture of toxic masculinity, which inhibits members of marginalised social groups, including women, members of the LGBTQ community, people of colour, neurodiverse, and many others, from thriving in their workplace and professional careers. 

Addressing uncomfortable topics is necessary to create open and honest communication with others. 

Menopause, surely that’s a woman’s issue?  We all either know a woman or are a woman. Because of the nature of menopause, we will all experience it either directly or indirectly. Fact. Our places of work must support half the population through this inevitable life event. The first step in doing this is to talk about it.

Let’s consider the case of menopause; have you ever asked your colleagues about menopause to understand it better or how it affects them?

Making sure everyone’s perspective is heard and they feel like valued participants in the conversation contributes to nurturing a working environment that’s inclusive to all.  

But how do we go beyond the buzzwords? 

The European Coworking Assembly has created the IDEA handbook. A guide on implementing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility into workplaces, the handbook also explores how to approach these conversations with compassion and respect.

It’s a small step, but it’s the beginning of making a substantial and impactful change. 

The LCA is excited to participate in the Workspace Design Show in London on 27 and 28 February. 

The panel for this event will include the following: 

Neil Usher, author of Unf*cking Work: How to Fix it for Good

Kate Usher, Menopause & Gender Equity Consultant at Menopause in Business

Shazia Mustafa, Centre Director, The Granville

Kofi Oppong, Founder of Urban MBA

Lucy Mcinally, Founder and Content Marketer at …And So Forth, will lead this panel of change-makers.

We would also like to give a big thanks to our co-producers Nook Wellness Pods for this event.

Jeannine van der Linden and Bernie J Michell will launch the ECA IDEA Handbook at this event.

You can visit the European Coworking Assembly website to learn more about the handbook.   

Breakfast Show Agenda

08:30 Doors open

09:00 Breakfast and hello

09:15 European Coworking Assembly Handbook Introduction

09:30 Main panel Q&A 

10:30 event close

10:30 onwards, connecting and other panels at the Workspace Design