As a business leader, you’ll have noticed an increased emphasis on the importance of promoting diversity in your corporation. However, whilst there are measures you can take to improve this in your company, it’s also important to take things further and foster inclusion in your local community. After all, how can you attract diverse talent to move to your local area if there isn’t a diverse and creative community to live in?
Learn a new language
According to studies, there are over 300 different languages spoken in schools in the UK alone. As children are the future generation of business, it’s likely this will translate through to the corporate world. Joining a language class is not only a fantastic way to learn about the history and culture of other nations, but it is the perfect way to meet a wide range of peers from all over the world. You’ll be extending your network, as well as upskilling yourself – and you never know where this could lead. A new client or even attracting a new employee, for example.
Celebrate minority community public holidays such Gay Pride
The Pride festival in London attracts over one million people each year – and it is certainly not only LGBTQ+ people who attend. Just because you don’t belong to a minority community, it doesn’t mean you can’t support and contribute to celebrations of acceptance. The number of cultural events held across the UK are abundant, and they are, again, a great way to increase your diverse network, learn new cultural aspects and have fun at the same time!
Take part in a cultural class
If you are really committed to learning about new cultures, why not educate yourself? Cross-cultural work skills courses are on offer in many universities and colleges in the UK. You can take classes that identify appropriate cultural body languages – something that is useful to know when you visit other countries on holiday or for business. You can even earn a certificate as your business’s cultural trainer. The vast amount of knowledge on offer will allow you to improve your social interaction, execute yourself professionally when partaking in business abroad and interact with people who aren’t in your immediate circle.
Form a business partnership with local schools and universities
Local schools and universities are a melting pot of diverse talent. Not only do people travel from across the country to go to their university of choice, but many people attend from all over the planet. The UK’s education system is second to none and this competitive nature moulds and shapes great young business people.
It’s not all about your future hiring plans, however. The UK is in a state of flux, experiencing a fairly impactful skills shortage. It is the responsibility of business owners and the government to stem this ‘brain drain’ and ensure young people have the best opportunities presented to them. With that in mind, consider offering work experience to your local community. Consider deliberately introducing quotas to ensure you are taking on an equal amount of male to female candidates. You can also opt to speak in assemblies or workshops in schools, colleges or universities. Raising awareness of openings available will not only improve their understanding but will increase their confidence also.