Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences among people in an organization. Equity means fair and just practices. Inclusivity is a recognition of our differences. Everyone is essential and should be respected, included, and engaged with. We welcome people with differences, nationality, geography, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, family status, religious beliefs, perspectives, experiences, or other ideologies.
Axelerant is a collective representation of people with individual differences in thoughts, personalities, capabilities, and talents that they bring to work. And every person is worthy.
We continuously foster a globally aware team.
Axelerant welcomes everyone who adds to our culture and role expectations.
Axelerant respects, appreciates, understands, and supports every aspect of diversity.
Axelerant has no tolerance for discriminatory behavior towards anyone except for just cause.
We want everyone to feel confident, comfortable, and safe in communicating their concerns.
Axelerant’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Apart from the core people support committee members, any Axelerant team members are welcome to volunteer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs. The DEI committee’s primary motive for coming together is to bring more awareness around DEI through awareness programs/webinars and ensure our policies and practices are inclusive. When you share a similar passion for contributing towards D&I at Axelerant, feel free to reach out to any of them to join.
How can I be more inclusive?
As aptly put by Fairforce in their 7 Ways to be More Inclusive in your Everyday Life article, inclusion is a set of measures, large and small, that can be easily integrated into the professional realm and everyday life. Here are seven simple strategies to become more aware of inclusivity in your daily life. Thank you for being open to them.
Accept that we all have Unconscious Biases.
Mindful communication: listen more, talk carefully
Challenge the stereotypes
Avoid assumptions
Ask yourself and others (the right) questions.
Be aware of your privileges.
Be proactive in educating yourself on the topic.
Stay open, stay curious, and do not fear mistakes.
Inclusive language brings everyone into the group through respect, dignity, and impartiality to exclude no one.
Get started with Buffer’s An Incomplete Guide to Inclusive Language for Startups and Tech; it’s not always necessary to fret over every word.
Speaking Up
When people believe they have been the target or witness of conscious/unconscious bias or discrimination, we encourage you to address that behavior.
Let the sourcing person know that their behavior is unwelcome or offensive. Share with them https://axelerant.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/AH/pages/1959329878/Diversity+and+Inclusivity to help them become more conscious of Axelerant’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Speaking up and educating your team member allows all parties to learn from and promote understanding.
While speaking up may not remove all consequences, it significantly reduces the chance of escalation and can potentially return team members to a comfortable and inclusive environment.
When escalation is required, refer to our https://axelerant.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/OA/pages/1446019276.
References