Thriving in diversity: RWS' positive workplace culture

Employment worries eradicated at RWS by Steven Morgan

For a member of the LGBTQ+ community, either starting a new job or coming out as LGBTQ+ whilst you are already working for a company can be a scary proposition. You are faced with several questions, like but not limited to:

·      What are the companies’ policies on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)?
·      Do employees respect and live the DEI policies?
·      Will I experience discrimination or bullying?
·      Does the company celebrate awareness days and pride month?
·      Will I have a voice?

These are just a few questions and there are still so many more, especially as there are still reports across the globe of individuals experiencing homophobic harassment, discrimination, and bullying in families, public and in the workplace.

Image Credit: Canva

The situation can be even worse for transgender (trans) people. Often trans people don’t get jobs because their voice “does not match employers’ expectations”. This problem is particularly acute during telephone interviews – which are often used by employers as the first interview stage in a job application.

Many trans people have struggled to get work simply because employers have a lack of awareness and education about what having a trans employee means, and therefore, “people are scared of them”. But ultimately trans people are just want to be happy and be able to be their true selves alongside their colleagues and friends.

Getting past the recruitment barrier is regrettably not the end of the problems for LGBTQ+ individuals. Stonewall reports that 18% of people have been the target of negative comments or conduct from their colleagues, and that one in eight trans people have been physically assaulted by either customers or colleagues in the workplace. Unfortunately, a lot of this behaviour goes unreported to higher management.

With all of this information in mind and a previous bad experience in the workplace, I was very apprehensive when I applied for a job at RWS in 2019. However, right from the initial interview stage, I realized that being Gay at RWS had no bearing on how I was viewed by colleagues and top management. In fact, the respect I received - without exception - for who and what I am, made me feel extremely welcome and comfortable. Being Gay just seemed part of the norm here.

Since joining RWS there have been some big changes in the organization, as we have grown bigger. I am glad to say that although there have been some dramatic changes, the feeling of fitting in has grown with the organization, especially with the introduction of various DEI policies and pillars that protect everyone and enable like-minded people and their allies to meet and grow together.

It's true to say that RWS recognises all differences and positive aspects of having a globally diverse culture and encourages all employees to bring their true selves to work every day

If you’re interested in joining RWS, you can learn more here.