Allyship, inclusive leadership and empathy: modern productivity tools

Hello, and welcome to Randstad’s first LinkedIn newsletter, The Randstad Roundup. In the coming months, we’ll be collating and sharing key insights from the world of work and delivering them straight to your inbox.

For June, which is Pride Month, we’ve focused on the theme of Pride and equity. While our ambition to build a more equitable world is resolute all year round, this month acts as a great reminder of how an inclusive society benefits everybody — and why the workplace is an important part of that.

To create a positive and nurturing environment for LGBTQI+ talent — and people of all backgrounds — companies can focus on five impactful actions that promote meaningful change at work.

• Instill a culture of empathy
• Establish your values
• Empower employee-driven groups
• Maintain meaningful activities over time
• Build visibility through role models

Read our full article to discover more.

Find out more about Randstad’s own journey on equity and inclusivity

Every day we are encouraging our colleagues at Randstad to make us a more LGBTQI+ friendly place by:

• Bringing their full selves to work
• Being inclusive leaders
• Being good allies

And we’re delighted to see people embracing these aims so enthusiastically. In our recent video series, our colleagues share their experiences and thoughts on the value of working at a place where you can proudly be who you want to be.?

Our leaders are embracing their part in this ongoing process too. When asked?what?business leaders can do to create more inclusive workplaces , Melody “Mel” Hernandez, RPO Employment Specialist in the US, says business leaders should acknowledge the need to create safe spaces for marginalized people within companies, and help individuals who do not feel represented to be seen and validated.???

“The more people know about the context and the priorities of others, the more they will interact with each other, and the more comfortable the environment would be for everyone,” says Mathieu Labro, Strategy?and?Planning Manager - Asia, Information Security Officer, Randstad China.?

We also asked, “What’s your top tip for colleagues who want to be better allies at work? ” Our team members say it’s about treating people fairly, checking misinformed ideas and taking an active interest in people and their lives. By becoming an ally, you’re helping foster a space where each person can bring their full self to work and thrive.

Addressing employment on World Refugee Day

June also marked World Refugee Day. Migrants and refugees are among the world’s most disenfranchised and vulnerable people. Life as an asylum seeker is challenging, but starting a job or career in a new country can be particularly daunting, especially without a support network.

That’s why we’re working on a first-of-its-kind training initiative set within a refugee center, to help asylum seekers in the Netherlands improve their work readiness, regardless of their legal status. We’re proud to be playing a part in helping all people thrive at work, regardless of their background.

“Paid work is about participating in society and feeling valuable,” says Mónica Pérez Martínez, Advisor at Randstad Netherlands. “Work gives structure and meaning to the day. It ensures a sense of belonging. This applies to everyone, including people who have had to leave their loved ones and homes to seek safety.”?

More articles on belonging, workplace culture and equity

Our Workmonitor report demonstrates the need to feel a part of the workplace; over half of respondents said they would quit if they felt like they didn’t belong. And many wouldn’t even take the job in the first place if the company didn’t meet their values. Audra Jenkins, our Global Chief Equity Officer, writes about why belonging is the hardest part of the equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging puzzle .?

Leaders have a vital opportunity to define and refine corporate culture — according to Dominique Hermans, our Chief Executive of Northern Europe — by being human and humble.? In this article, Dominique shares four fundamental principles to be a more effective leader and promote more inclusive and productive environments.?

Myriam Beatove Moreale, our Chief Human Resources Officer, shares her views on embracing equity in the workplace , and the benefits of building workplaces where all people can thrive.

Last but not least, this recent Forbes article by our CEO Sander van ‘t Noordende explains how allies systemically help improve workplace policies, practices and culture. Studies have also found allyship drives engagement, increased happiness, improved productivity, a greater sense of belonging, higher staff retention, reduced stress and career advancement.?

…and that’s a wrap!

See you in August and follow us on LinkedIn and on our website to keep up to speed with what’s shaping the ever-changing world of work, and access unique insights from across the globe.?