Race Equality Week 2024: Day 4 - A Culture of Belonging

How can we succeed and thrive if being ourselves does not ‘fit in’ with the expected culture of an organisation?

Today's Eye-Opener - 30 Seconds

Have you ever been the only person who looks, sounds, and talks like you in an office / room? 

• Never

• Rarely

• Occasionaly 

• Often

According to the 2021 Census, 81.7% of the England and Wales population is white whilst 9.3% is Asian, 4.0% is black and 2.9% is from a mixed background (govuk, 2021).

This means that in the workplace, there is always the likelihood that an ethnically diverse colleague may be the only one in the room or a minority in the organisation. Being the only ethnically diverse colleague in the room can feel lonely, and sometimes makes an individual wonder if they belong.

It is exacerbated if they have an additional protected characteristic, e.g., non-male, disabled, or sexual orientation. That is why it is important to create environments that encourage belonging.

Too many people feel lonely, isolated and uncomfortable if they are not made to feel welcome and that they belong.

If we don’t make colleagues feel like they belong or feel valued, then poor representation of diverse individuals will remain a status quo. For far too long individuals have had to fit into an organisation.

This has often meant having to ‘act or be different’ and not be their true selves - it means they can’t thrive or be their best and this impacts their mental health and wellbeing.

Instead, organisations need to fit around their people’s individuality and differences. This is when we truly achieve belonging. 

 

• Video - 4 Minutes

   How do we build a culture of inclusion?

   

  Watch this video to find out:

   

  Building a Culture of Inclusion

• Action - 30 Seconds

  How can you help create an environment of belonging? Ideas:

   

  • Encourage your team to try one of Race Equality Matter’s solutions, such as Tea Break or #MyNameIs.
  • Encourage inclusive bonding exercises and team events that can help everyone get to know each other and create a sense of belonging. It is important this is done in a way that is inclusive and doesn’t make people feel uncomfortable.
  • Think about how colleagues who may not feel part of the crowd or don’t naturally fit in, can be made to feel included and welcomed.
  • Ensure that socialising and staff parties are inclusive. For example, not everyone is comfortable being in a pub for Christmas drinks or a celebration. There are many reasons why, including: Religion, sobriety, health conditions and personal choice.

 

Cultures Week at St Cyres School: An Example of Intercultural Engagement

At St Cyres, roughly a quarter (26%) of the school population are children from global majority backgrounds. There are 46 languages other than English spoken at home. As part of the school’s anti-racist action plan that states “schools need to actively support students to express their cultural identities”, back in October they held a week-long celebration of culture.

During Cultures Week, teachers introduced a brief cultural aspect of the subject they teach, introducing pupils to the idea that all things education are not ‘white Welsh’ and highlight different cultural influences and contributions to education.

The school also held a Cultures Evening Showcase. Students performed a mix of singing, dancing, and poetry from countries across the world, including Wales. The night ended with a fashion show as pupils modelled clothing from around the world.

On the Friday there was a non-uniform day, in which pupils and staff were encouraged to wear clothing representing their respective cultures. The event triggered questions and conversation, sharing ideas on aspects of culture, identity, ethnicity and belonging.

Staff and pupils have put together a video which further details the events of the week, and what it meant for them in terms of learning and belonging: 

 

Additional Resources

 

Race Equality Matters Resources