DEI Matters | Cultivating an Inclusive Company Culture
Content & Relations Manager
At PRISMA, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) not only in our company culture but also in society at large. Our primary objective is to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported in bringing their authentic selves to work. We believe that embracing DEI is essential at all stages of the employee journey, including recruitment, onboarding, and in the day-to-day work environment. Sadly, these values are still not universally embraced in European companies.
According to a recent EU survey, the data reveals that one in four (26%) LGBTQI+ individuals in the EU choose to conceal their sexual orientation or identity at work due to the fear of being disadvantaged. This fear is justified, as 21% of the respondents reported experiencing discrimination at their workplace in the year leading up to the survey, and 10% encountered discrimination while seeking employment. The variations in experiences across European countries indicate that there is still a considerable journey ahead to achieve true LGBTQI+ equality.
At PRISMA, we are committed to being part of the solution and embedding DEI principles into every aspect of our company culture. For instance, we ensure equal treatment in our policies, including parental leave and child support. To further enhance awareness and understanding of LGBTQI+ issues, we regularly invite diversity experts to educate our employees. We are dedicated to continuous improvement, conducting recurring surveys to identify areas where our policies can be further strengthened.
DEI is a necessity
"Caring for DEI is not a trend; it is a necessity." - This statement by Mariana Fernández holds true every single day. Since 2021 she is the Equal Opportunity Manager at PRISMA.. Recognizing the significance of educating ourselves about potential issues and solutions, she remarked, "Just claiming to be inclusive is not enough."
In line with our commitment to DEI, PRISMA has signed the Charta of Diversity, pledging to create a work environment that is free from prejudice, irrespective of sex, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity.
To facilitate open and honest communication, we have implemented channels like anonymous surveys and conversation tools where employees can express their thoughts without fear. We acknowledge that despite encouraging statistics and surveys, continuous vigilance is necessary to ensure every PRISMAte feels comfortable at work, embracing their true selves. We participated in the Unicorns in Tech Summit 2022, an event celebrating tech, diversity, and being LGBTIQ+ in the workplace. We further bolster our understanding by regularly inviting industry experts to educate and enlighten our team members on various DEI topics.
Mariana and Benedikt at the Unicorns in Tech Summit 2022
Diversity Trainings at PRISMA: Empowering Inclusive Communication
At PRISMA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment through our Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE) Training Program. Through these enlightening sessions, we aim to raise awareness about the impact of language on our thoughts and actions, while also addressing the inadvertent harm it may cause to others. Our training program has successfully delved into various crucial aspects, including trust development and the essential topic of pronouns. Here is a brief overview of the sessions led by our esteemed trainers:
Quynh Anh Le ngoc | Trainer for Sensitive Cultural Communication
In 2022, we launched our DIE Training Program with an inspiring keynote and workshop by Quynh Anh Le ngoc. Her expertise in sensitive cultural communication shed light on the powerful influence of language on our cognitive processes and behavior. We explored how our words and expressions can either bridge or create barriers between individuals from diverse backgrounds.
© Quynh Anh Le ngoc
Olla Jongerius | DEI Trainer
Continuing with our series of workshops, Olla Jongerius led three engaging sessions. Through her insightful guidance, we learned that DEI is not merely a fleeting trend or buzzword but an enduring imperative for creating a harmonious workplace. Olla skillfully navigated the differences in communication styles, feedback approaches, and trust development among team members, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and support.
© Olla Jongerius
Understanding the significance of pronouns in affirming personal identities, Olla addressed why it is essential to respect and accommodate individuals' chosen pronouns. Her sessions helped us comprehend the importance of embracing this aspect of inclusion with empathy and openness.
These diverse and informative training sessions have been instrumental in cultivating a more empathetic and inclusive culture at PRISMA. We continue to build on this foundation, empowering our team members to communicate effectively and embrace diversity wholeheartedly. Our commitment to growth and learning remains unwavering as we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected for their unique contributions.
