On March 8th, Acorel organized an inspiring event with the theme "Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion." The topic initially made some attendees feel a bit uncomfortable. However, by the end of the session, these same people were generally enthusiastic, a clear indication that "awareness" had been raised.

The relationship between diversity and inclusivity, explained as "Diversity means being invited to the party" while "Inclusivity means being asked to dance," aligns well with what we focus on at Acorel. We have chosen English as our formal language to ensure that all our colleagues can fully participate in all activities within the organization.

An important aspect of working at Acorel is working in teams. Learning about unconscious biases has given us insight into the importance of being critical about representative diversity within a team. It is easy to create a team of people you have a "click" with, but that also means you might miss out on new perspectives and creative ideas. To effectively respond to diverse markets and a variety of customers, you need a diversity of ideas and talent.

So, how can you become a more inclusive organization and attract more diverse talent? It is important to listen to understand instead of just reacting. Honesty is crucial, no excuses. Finally, make sure everyone has a seat at the table. Don't just talk about diversity, ensure that a diverse audience is invited to the table.

"A very enlightening event that showed that Diversity and Inclusion are topics that can certainly be improved in almost any organization, including Acorel. By creating an inclusive environment, there is much to gain. When employees feel comfortable and more valued, the way people collaborate and the employee experience will definitely improve. And as we know well, by enhancing the employee experience, the customer experience will also improve!"

Taco Schallenberg, CEO at Acorel