Are you diversity champions?
THERE’S strength in depth and that applies to a diverse workforce as much as anything else.
Smart businesses have known for a long time that if they are to be successful then their workforce must reflect society and that includes employing members of the LGBT+ community.
Ordinarily, it doesn’t even merit a mention to The Works customers. Primarily manufacturing and engineering, they don’t judge people on their sexual orientation, creed or race. Instead they look at a candidate’s competencies and qualities. They ask: Can this person do the job? Have they got the specific qualifications we need? Will they fit in with the rest of the team? Have they got the right attitude for our business?
If a candidate ticks all those boxes, and we pride ourselves on looking for the best talent in the market place, then they get the job. It’s part of our ethos of being diversity champions.
We’re so committed to doing the best we can for our customers, we can be guilty of neglecting ourselves. That’s why this week and next are so important to us.
Tomorrow, July 28, is the first ever Ruby Slipper Ball at The Queen’s Hotel, celebrating and raising funds for the Friends of Dorothy. On the night a one-off portrait of David Hockney, called Hockney with Pride – Lockyers Limited Edition will be auctioned.
FoD was set up by Craig Burton, our MD and founder last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
It’s worth reflecting on now because many of the members of the LGBT+ community from 1967 are entering their twilight years. Like so many elderly people they consider retirement homes and that often means confronting the old prejudices the last 50 years have eased for them.
It can be tough, and it often leads to social isolation as they reconsider going back into the closet fearful they will face further discrimination in their old age. The Works has adopted Friends of Dorothy and is aiming to be an exemplar LGBT+ employer as part of our own corporate social responsibility commitment.
Everyone at The Works lives the ethos.
The Works recently hosted a two-day pop up LGBT+ café as part of the Leeds Waterfront Festival and each month Craig hosts the Friends of Dorothy meet up which brings together young LGBT+ people and more mature members of that community. The Works team members join in and help where possible to alleviate the loneliness that some older LGBT+ people experience.
As Leeds PRIDE approaches next week think about how you and your team could be more LGBT+ diverse and if you want any ideas give us a call. Our candidates are chosen for their attitude and aptitude, not their race, creed or sexual orientation. We could help you find the perfect match for your team! Call 0 333 344 9444 or email: leeds@theworksrec.co.uk.