As part of our Black History Month in this episode of The People Agenda podcast we are raising awareness of how organisations can be more inclusive. Host Chris Howard and Christina Adeniyi from our DE&I team speak to Lildonia Lawrence, a Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, as they discuss allyship, anti-racism, and bystander intervention as key skills for every HR leader.
Why does inclusion matter for organisations?
Inclusive workplaces improve employee wellbeing, retention, and innovation. Research from McKinsey’s Diversity matters even more: The case for holistic impact report (2023) shows that companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to outperform financially than less diverse peers. This means that when organisations build genuinely inclusive workplaces, they don’t just create happier, healthier teams but they also boost performance and profitability.
How do allyship and bystander action shape workplace culture?
Being an active ally means using your voice and position to support others and addressing inappropriate behaviour when it happens. For example, in a meeting, if a microaggression occurs, you can gently redirect the conversation or clarify with empathy. When even one person speaks up, it shows that respect and accountability are core to the organisation’s culture.
Diversity and Inclusion at LACE
Our team is passionate about creating places where everyone feels included. Christina is one of our internal D&I team who are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in our diverse team and carry this with us to our clients. To honour the 60 years since the landmark Race Relations Act of 1965, Christina and the team have been highlighting key achievements and influential figures who have driven progress in racial equality legislation. Discover more about our commitments to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, sustainability, and community engagement here.
Want to hear more from Lildonia? Get a copy of her book Back Yourself: A Wellbeing Guide to Healing from Racial Trauma which offers practical guidance for people of colour to improve their wellbeing and mental health. Her podcast Intersections explores how overlapping identities shape people’s lives. Do you have any questions about the topics discussed in this podcast? Reach out to Lildonia via her website Move with Lildonia.
","author_name":"LACE Partners"}