Championing diversity: Reckitt’s efforts with NAZ Dost and a local LGBTQ+ ERG

In today's world, creating an inclusive workplace is more important than ever, especially for organizations that want to truly support diverse talent and champion social justice. At Reckitt, this commitment shines through the passionate work of employees like Rakshet Sachdev and Ankita Chakraborty. As part of the Global LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), they're on a mission to make sure everyone feels welcome and valued.

Rakshet Sachdev: "I work at Reckitt as part of the Front End Innovation team. I am also a member of the Global LGBTQ+ ERG at Reckitt, with my remit is overseeing local ERGs in the Asian, Middle East and African countries."

Ankita Chakraborty: "I work at Reckitt as a Senior HR Manager based in Gurgaon, India."

Today, Rakshet and Ankita would like to highlight a charity the local ERG based in India have been closely working with.

"NAZ Dost; or the Naz Foundation (India) Trust which was established in 1994 by Anjali Gopalan, addressing issues of HIV/AIDs and Sexuality. Naz has worked to being a catalyst towards a world where equality and social justice will be accessible to all.

Over the last year, our local LGBTQ+ ERG has been working with Naz on a number of different activities. We’ve had them involved in building up the network and ensuring right terminology is used across the site communications. We had them involved external speaker events of bringing the stories of the LGBTQ+ community to the larger group of employees. One of the activities we are very proud of including them is a queer flea market during festival seasons. Though it was not publicized as being specifically queer, we were able to support queer entrepreneurs while still celebrating festival events, ensuring quiet inclusion is being embedded in the activities we do as an organization.

We are excited to build our partnership with them, looking at more opportunities to grow and embed inclusion at the heart of the Reckitt employee. By being able to support such a great organization we just hope to make a more impactful difference in the work they are doing across India."

The team at Reckitt also extended an invitation to establish a flea market not only during Pride Month but also for the Diwali celebrations they hosted last year. Diwali, a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, is a time of joy, community, and cultural festivities. To enhance the experience for their employees during this vibrant holiday, they organized a delightful array of food and drinks, showcasing traditional flavors and festive treats. This seamless integration of the market into Diwali festivities not only enriched the celebration but also encouraged a shared sense of community and inclusivity among the employees.

Looking ahead, Rakshet and Ankita express enthusiasm about building their partnership with Naz Foundation and exploring more opportunities to enhance inclusion at the core of the Reckitt employee experience. In supporting such a commendable organization, they hope to make a meaningful impact on the important work being done throughout India in the realms of health, rights, and social justice.