Introducing pronouns to enhance inclusivity
We want to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued and respected for who they are. Pronouns are an essential part of our individual identities and using someone’s correct pronouns affirms and validates their gender identity, showing respect for who they are. This helps to create an inclusive environment where people feel seen, accepted, and valued.
In our pursuit of a more inclusive, and equitable workplace, we have collaborated with our Digital team to enable Newable and NewFlex employees to include their pronouns of choice in their signatures and on the intranet. This includes the use of gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them. By using the correct pronouns, we contribute to fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. It is an important step in recognising and valuing the diverse identities and experiences within our teams.
Misgendering can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, using the correct pronouns promotes positive mental health and helps create a supportive environment. We believe that this is a positive step towards promoting inclusivity beyond the binary understanding of gender. It acknowledges and respects individuals who may identify outside the traditional male or female categories.
This initiative fosters a more diverse and accepting workplace culture and demonstrates Newable’s commitment to creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, feel welcome, supported, and able to bring their whole selves to work.
While we have opted for the default use of the UK legal pronouns, we understand that individuals may wish to be identified differently. Therefore, anyone who wishes to be identified differently is invited to contact the HR team. We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to ensuring that every individual feels respected and valued in our workplace.
When we launched this initiative in June 2023, we were thrilled to host an interactive session led by a guest speaker from Champions, Jude Guaitamacchi. Jude is a transgender, non-binary model and the first non-binary person to represent the Harrods H beauty campaign. They are a renowned TEDx speaker, known for their talk on ‘Beyond Social Conditioning to Rediscovering Yourself’.
This one-hour session was a profound learning experience for all of us at Newable and NewFlex. It provided us with opportunities to delve deeper into LGBTQ+ history, understand current issues, and listen to personal experiences. Jude’s insights were invaluable in helping us gain a better understanding of the use of pronouns. The session was a step towards fostering a more inclusive and respectful workplace, regardless of gender identity.
Monica Whitefield, Chief People Officer at Newable, commented “Introducing the use of pronouns at Newable has been a step forward towards building a truly inclusive workplace. By using the correct pronouns, we affirm and respect each individual’s identity, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and valued. This initiative helps support mental health and underscores our commitment to diversity, ensuring all employees feel welcome and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.”
Improving our menopause policy
In October 2023, we took a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and understanding work environment by releasing the second version of our Menopause Policy. Recognising that menopause is not merely a gender or age issue but an organisational one, we aimed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with it.
Our policy underscores the importance of understanding what menopause is and how it can impact colleagues both directly and indirectly. We believe that fostering an environment where individuals can openly discuss menopause and seek support is crucial to normalising the conversation around menopause.
The policy provides comprehensive information about menopause and outlines the options available to employees and line managers to manage its effects. It encourages employees experiencing menopausal symptoms to inform their line managers, enabling them to provide appropriate support tailored to the individual’s needs.
We understand that some individuals may prefer to discuss menopausal issues with someone other than their line manager. In such cases, they are welcome to initiate a conversation with another manager or a member of the HR team. Our Employee Assistance Programme is also available to provide additional support.
Through this policy, we aim to ensure that everyone at Newable feels supported and understood during their menopausal journey. We believe that open conversations and understanding are key to creating a supportive work environment for all.