The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted new and unusual challenges around equality and inclusion , whether that ’ s the unequal distribution of job losses , the greater childcare burden placed on working parents or the sense of isolation felt by people with no choice than to live and work alone . It ’ s also taught us that a little humanity and empathy goes a long way .
At Experian , Rachael Taylor-Jenkins ’ Global Talent & Engagement team haven ’ t just created company-wide wellbeing initiatives , important as these may be . They ’ ve also tailored activity for specific groups who were finding the pandemic especially challenging .
For Sally Moore , people technology & analytics manager , putting herself forward to set up Home-Aloners , a support network for people who live alone , has been her “ proudest achievement ”, creating a safe space for those feeling isolated and lonely to share their experiences with people going through the same thing .
Examples show the difference empathy-led inclusion and belonging can make
Another initiative led to the creation of a New Parents ’ Club to help families who have missed out on the usual opportunities for bonding with , and learning from , others who are pregnant or have young children .
While global DEI initiatives , such as a sharper focus on DEI education and diversity sponsors at strategic level , continue apace , these local , often employee-led , examples show the difference that empathy-led inclusion and belonging can make from the ground up too .