Diversity & Inclusion is vital in any company because it helps create a workplace that values perspectives, backgrounds, and identities. We sat down with our Diversity & Inclusion Team to have a chat with them to help you understand who they are and what they do.
What is the D&I Team and what do you do?
In 2022, a group of colleagues at emap joined together to form the Diversity & Inclusion Team. Our aim as the D&I team is to create an inclusive environment for all employees at emap, where all feel welcome, irrespective of background, race, religion or orientation and culture. Striving to ensure each employee is supported and seen, we come together to celebrate the individual and where our differences are our superpowers.
Our group has already been the catalyst for various D&I initiatives within the company, working proactively to ensure inclusion and value diversity. We have a broader responsibility to society to do this and we use our influence to drive diversity, equality and inclusion within our communities and markets.
You mentioned having done some different initiatives, what have you done in the past?
One big initiative we’ve created is “Ramp It Up!”, a not-for-profit campaign, gently encouraging venues and AV production companies to provide handrailed ramp access for free and as a standard provision at all conferences, award ceremonies and events in the UK and Ireland. We’ve recognised that there are increasing numbers of people with severe movement impairment or limited mobility attending our events year on year, and there is so much more both event venues and AV companies can do to help them! It shouldn’t be up to anyone who requires additional accessibility to notify venues of this beforehand – they should be able to attend safely in the knowledge that they will be able to access all areas of the event easily and comfortably.
On top of this, we like to celebrate different cultural initiatives by hosting different events in our offices. Some of the events we’ve done this year are:
- Balkan Spring Celebrations: Welcoming the Season!
In early March, our offices came alive with the vibrant spirit of Balkan traditions. We celebrated Mărțișor/Martenitsa, a beautiful custom related to spring’s arrival. Staff members created their own Martenitsa (red and white yarn worn until spotting a stork, swallow, or blossoming tree). We indulged in delicious Bulgarian, Romanian and Moldovan treats, sampled traditional drinks from the region, and even participated in a fun quiz about this rich and interesting part of the world. - Rainbow Day
Our offices burst with vibrant Pride colours as staff proudly wore them throughout June. We not only celebrated Pride Month but also recognised influential LGBTQ+ icons who have made a lasting impact on the community, their rights, and staff at emap, by posting them and their movements across our offices. We also provide donation touch points supporting MindOut – a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people, with a mission to improve the mental health and well-being of all LGBTQ communities and make mental health a community concern. - Eid Bake Sale: A Sweet Celebration!
In honour of the Islamic holiday of Eid, we hosted an exciting bake-off challenge for our staff. Participants whipped up their best sweet or savoury creations, judged by three staff members from our Croydon and Fleet Street offices. After the judging, slices of these treats were sold for charity. We’re proud to share that this initiative raised funds for Safeena, a Muslim cancer support network charity, as well as Stand Up to Cancer. Beyond fundraising, it also brought our staff together in the spirit of Eid, allowing everyone to savour good food and enjoy each other’s company. A total of £603.15 was raised and split between the two charities. - Skin tone Plasters
There are some very simple things we can do to make people feel more included and one of the things we did was implement having various different skin tone plasters in our offices.
Have you got any initiatives coming up?
Yes, there are plenty of initiatives to celebrate before the end of the year! Some of the events we want to celebrate are:
- Menopause Month
We’re holding coffee mornings across our offices that are open to all staff, regardless of gender, as we come together to learn about the challenges faced during menopause, its impact on family life, relationships, socialising, and work, and how we can offer support to those going through menopause. We also started the ‘Menopause Matters’ Podcast where we explore the challenges of navigating menopause in the workplace as well as talk about the effects it may have on those around us. - Black History Month
A month dedicated to celebrating the contributions to society from the Afro-Caribbean, African and Black diaspora. - Diwali Celebration
Following last year’s successful Diwali celebration, we’re excited to bring it back! - Christmas & Hanukkah Celebrations
This year we are excited to add Hanukkah to our festive end of year celebrations bringing joy, light and communal spirit to our emap community.
Who’s in the D&I Team?
We hope that’s helped shed a little bit of light on who the Diversity & Inclusion Team are, what they’ve done and what they have planned. Have a look out for their faces around the offices and say hello!
