Tomorrow's Workplaces

This major event, from the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) and hosted by BT at their headquarters in Holborn, brought together leading thinkers and national experts to explore the key issues and challenges facing 21st Century employers.  Steps was invited to add an experiential element to workshops during the morning and afternoon, and we delivered interactive sessions on Unconscious Bias and Workforce Representation.
 
This expert led, day long event focused on four cross-cutting issues...

Inclusion in a global context: Robin Schneider, drew on his experience of working with multinationals across the globe - in emerging economies in Africa, the Middle East and Asia as well as across continental Europe and North America.  Robin shared his perspective of the key drivers for change and the ways companies are taking a global approach to developing an inclusive culture locally.  Hannah Price, Partner of the Employment Group at Lewis Silkin, presented an insightful geographic study - exploring how a commitment to inclusion maintains competitive advantage in a global market place.

Exploring the impact of Unconscious Bias:
Unconscious Bias is a ‘hot topic’ for employers. Dr. Pete Jones, the UK’s most authoritative figure on the subject, and Tinu Cornish presented findings from their research project which seeks to identify the nature of bias within the performance management process.  Steps ran a session alongside this presentation - to bring to life some of the behavioural challenges associated with unconcsious bias and encourage an interactive exploration of these. 

Workforce Representation: This session focused on the challenge of achieving real diversity in Boardrooms. Dr Atul K. Shah shared his views on how leading employers are removing barriers to achieving greater diversity.   Steps also delivered an interactive session here - looking at key issues including talent management, effective development and feedback skills in relation to diversity and inclusion. 

Beyond Flexibility: Peter Thomson, co-author of Future Work explored agile working including the TRUST model presented in his book which asks, do we need a radical new way of work if we are to move forward our inclusion hopes and goals?

Keynote speakers included the Rt Hon David Blunkett MP and Jonathan Rees, Director General at the Government Equalities Office.

Steps were delighted to join leading thinkers in the diversity field for this unique event.  Our interactive sessions were well recieved and sparked some energetic debate and discussion from delegates.  We'll be sharing some feedback, quotes and images of the session once we have them.  Watch this space!

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