We’re drawing towards the end of Pride Month 2024, but the experiences of LGBTQIA+ folks matter every day of the year: that’s why inclusivity is a 365-day, 24/7 endeavour.
At Human Made, we all do our very best to make sure everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to share as much of themselves at work as they wish to. With this in mind, our humans have been exploring what it means to them to have a safe space where everyone truly feels like they belong...
Inclusivity means creating a space where everyone can be fully themselves and always feel welcome. An inclusive workplace enables us to have better discussions, differing perspectives, and build better software and a stronger business.”
Siobhan McKeown, Chief Operating Officer
Being a part of community and business that values and prioritises inclusivity means I have the best and broadest and most talented community of peers possible. All the most amazing people I work alongside can bring their genuine full selves, and I get an amazing network of friends and colleagues to learn from and grow with.”
Ant Miller, Account Strategy Director
Inclusivity for the LGTBQIA+ community, for me, means creating a welcoming open space, where everyone feels valued and able to own their truth. Inclusivity is important because it ensures everyone feels valued and therefore allowing for all voices to be heard, creating a better work environment for all.”
Kirsty Burgoine, Engineering Manager EMEA S2
To me, being inclusive means everyone gets a seat at the table – without LGBTQIA+ voices, we’d be missing so many valuable perspectives. I’m really glad that Human Made actively seeks contributions from everyone, not just the loudest or most visible voices in the (virtual) room.”
Gianna Legate, Head of Content
We can’t learn or grow in a vacuum or a monoculture. Surrounding ourselves with people who aren’t the same as us makes our lives richer, and our teams more resilient and capable. And if any of us don’t feel safe or accepted, that stress impacts the whole team and company. We’re only at our best when we genuinely support each other, proactively work to become more inclusive, and keep our workplace safe and welcoming.”
KAdam White, Principal Engineer
Inclusivity means not having to question why I’m taking up the space I am. To know that I am valued as a colleague and as equal – that’s how everyone should feel.”
Jenny Wong, Associate Director of Engineering
When people feel free to be their true selves, it’s not only good for the team and building empathy, but it leads to better outcomes in our work through incorporating a wider range of experiences and ideas.”
Robert O’Rourke, Principal Engineer
Inclusivity to me means everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to be themselves. In the workplace being inclusive creates a sense of belonging meaning everyone can feel comfortable and contribute their best.”
Iliana Maratheftis, Digital Marketing Manager
True inclusivity is the catalyst for a future where every individual’s potential is not just recognized, but actively nurtured.”
Noel Tock, Chief Growth Officer
Diversity is strength, but inclusion unlocks it. We create an inclusive environment by standing up for each other. By being allies to the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating our unique identities, and actively challenging biases, we cultivate a more respectful and safe workplace for all. A space where everyone feels valued and empowered.”
Shipra Sood, Engineering Manager APAC
I don’t want to work in an environment where people feel unable to be themselves. LGBTQIA+ inclusivity to me means working to ensure we create welcoming, safe spaces.”
Alex Aspinall, Marketing Director
To me, inclusivity means celebrating the rich tapestry of identities and cultures, where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. It’s about fostering a vibrant community where our diverse perspectives drive innovation and connection.”
Mitesh Pandey, Agency Scrum Master
Inclusivity feeds diversity, which in turn offers expression and creativity, how dull would the world be without it.”
Simon Cooke, Enterprise Strategy Director EMEA
There’s still more work to be done to make sure people in the LGBTQIA+ community experience true inclusivity. Work-wise, a recent study from Deloitte revealed that the employers of four in 10 LGBTQIA+ employees failed to demonstrate a commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion internally or externally. Of those surveyed, less than half said they felt comfortable being ‘out’ about their sexual orientation or gender identity at work. From a global perspective, around a third of the world’s countries still legislate against LGBTQIA+ people in some way.
We might not be able to change the world (yet!), but we’re doing what we can to positively impact the day-to-day of those around us. In our freely-available Company Handbook we’ve curated a bunch of really useful resources covering everything from how to become a better ally, to using pronouns inclusively, mental health support, and intersectional LGBTQIA+ issues. Check out our LGBTQIA+ information kit here, and please feel free to copy and use what’s useful for you and your organisation.