"The activities that have landed best are often those that feel close to home - where employees can reflect, share perspectives or just get a little more curious."
How can you get involved?
Every year, since the start of Diversity Month 2021, we see our members focusing on diversity and inclusion during May through a range of activities. The important thing is not exactly what you do, but that you do something. Examples of activities from previous years are:
- Internal events for or with staff.
- Open events for the public, customers or suppliers.
- Contributing to the public debate through a column, an opinion piece or a statement.
- Social media campaigns that spread the message.
- Video stories from employees highlighting their perspectives.
We asked two of our member companies to share their work during Diversity Month.
Why is Länsförsäkringar AB participating in EU Diversity Month?
For us, it's about creating a workplace where more perspectives can be heard - for real. Diversity Month is a good opportunity to reinforce what we are already doing, but also to put extra focus on issues that sometimes risk being overlooked. And also a way to involve more people in the organisation.
Do you have any tips for others to get involved in EU Diversity Month?
One insight we take away is that it doesn't have to be big to make a difference. The activities that have landed best are often those that feel close to home - where employees get to reflect, share perspectives or just get a bit more curious. We've also seen that when we connect it to our everyday lives and mission, rather than making it something ’on the side’, it has a much bigger impact - in engagement.
Why is Nordea participating in EU Diversity Month?
Nordea is constantly working on diversity, inclusion and equality. We see the EU Diversity Month as a great opportunity to recognise and focus on these areas. Nordea has therefore organised activities every Diversity Month since 2021. By recognising these important issues, we are strengthening our work culture and creating better conditions for all staff to contribute, develop and be themselves. It is not only a matter of responsibility but also a success factor in our long-term work.
What activities has Nordea organised during Diversity Month?
The approach has differed from year to year, but in recent years each employee resource group has had its ”own” day to focus on its core issues. For example, the LGBTQ group has had activities on or around 17 May to mark IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia). The cultural diversity group has had its activities on or around 21 May (World Day of Cultural Diversity). We also have age diversity, gender equality and disability groups with their own activities.
They can be internal or external speakers in the respective fields; and often together with the groups' sponsors from top management. These activities are for all employees in the countries where Nordea operates. The groups also organise a joint event during the month to highlight the great work they actually do. The groups can also organise local activities. To this can be added quizzes and short notices in our internal channels and more.
Save time with the EU guide and materials
The European Commission has posted on its website material which you can use straight away. You will find:
- A guide with tips and step-by-step instructions
- Social Media Toolkit
- Emailginatures
- Images and graphics
Don't forget to upload your initiative on the European Commission diversity map so that everyone can see and be inspired by your work.
