Life at RWS: Creating an Inclusive Work Environment

In 2024, translation company RWS aim to reflect, both internally and externally, to ensure that they are creating a progressive, inclusive environment for their employees. By looking at effective practices and applying them to their own initiatives, they hope to overcome any challenges posed on the road to authentic inclusivity.

Life at RWS

Referencing a study taken by HR company Unleashed, they decided to take a look at their own journey and experiences faced by LGBTQ+ employees, firstly providing a legal and RWS policy perspective.

Image Credit: Canva

Legal

Legally we are protected by the Equality Act of 2010, that brought together various anti-discrimination laws into one single act, so any unlawful treatment (discrimination, harassment, or victimisation) relating to one of the Equality Act Protected characteristics, since 2010 is covered by this area of employment law. RWS has created various Policies, including, the RWS Group Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, RWS Group Code of Conduct and the newly introduced RWS Group Trans & Gender Identity Tool Kit (guide). These policies etc. ensure this act is embedded within the organization from the start of an employee’s journey with us.

LGBTQ+ Pillar

“We are committed to ensuring an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.”

Quote from Candy Davies, executive sponsor of the LGBTQ+ pillar.

“Ensuring an inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ colleagues (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all other sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions) is a key part of our values. 

I am proud to be the LGBTQ+ executive sponsor, to work with our employees to connect and support our people on all LGBTQ+ matters. Our network is open to everyone, a place where we can all make a positive difference to our workplace, clients, and local communities.

The network is about being open and committed to supporting each other and being willing to learn and grow. We all deserve to bring our authentic selves to work each and every day” .

Views of RWS colleagues

Steven Morgan

I am a 59-year-old Gay man that struggled living most of my life as a straight man. I didn’t understand why I was uncontented and self-conscious, which ultimately lead to low self-worth. Coming out as Gay in 2016 changed my life in so many ways. I am now contended, happy, confident and believe that I am worthy.

I joined RWS in 2019 and having had a bad experience at the company I left to join RWS. As you can imagine I was cautious when I first started, but soon realized that being Gay within 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 policies that protect everyone and the DEI pillars that enable like-minded people and their allies to meet and grow together.