A diverse and multicultural society enriches and broadens perspectives, especially in today’s globalized world. It’s not just about having diverse representation but also about creating a culture of belonging and acceptance of different perspectives. In this article, I would like to share my learning journey on this topic as I lead the People and Culture department at Xideral. During my time in this position, one of my most significant discoveries has been recognizing that my area, as the heart of the organization, must actively engage in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, tirelessly working to build an inclusive workplace and society.
To build more inclusive spaces and societies, it is essential that we understand our own biases. Each of us must embark on a journey of self-assessment to identify and challenge the deeply ingrained stereotypes in our minds. This invitation should extend from the most human aspects of our businesses to encompass the entire organization and, hopefully, impact society.
If the path to true inclusion were easy, we wouldn't need conversations like this one. There are very real challenges on this path, and I want to share one of the most challenging ones I have encountered in myself, my team, and the people around me.
We all share unconscious biases. These are deeply rooted stereotypes and judgments that shape our perceptions and influence our decisions without us even realizing it. In a multicultural society, these biases can hinder our ability to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected. The big problem is that these biases can perpetuate inequalities, especially affecting groups that face barriers to their full integration and empowerment.
Unconscious biases can manifest in many ways, such as condescension, favoritism, and microaggressions. Recognizing and addressing them is essential to progress toward inclusion. Education plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing these biases. Let’s challenge our beliefs to promote understanding and respect for differences.
Embracing cultural diversity and fostering effective communication are essential to overcoming these barriers.
At Xideral, we deeply believe that diversity enriches us and makes us stronger in facing changes. Fostering inclusion in our teams requires a continuous commitment to developing empathy in all our collaborators. This effort brings us invaluable rewards, such as the contribution of different perspectives and experiences that enhance our creativity, resilience, and capacity for innovation.
We commit ourselves day by day to building an inclusive community, being sensitive to differences, and challenging stereotypes. I hope that this effort to create a better workplace can radiate to the society in which we live, so that we can all enjoy a fairer and more equitable society.