Embracing Diversity: A Joyful Sunday Morning Journey of Learning and Reflection

Two weeks ago on a Sunday morning, I found myself stepping into the heart of my community in Gloucester with a mission to explore, learn, and appreciate the rich history of Islam. I know Gloucester quite well, the train station, the schools, the rugby ground, the? Cathedral and Gloucester Quays. This time I was in a more unfamiliar place Ryecroft Street visiting the first purpose built mosque, Masjid E Noor, in South West England and Wales.

It struck me that both my children have visited a local mosque as part of their early education but as adults, we don’t often get that opportunity. I have been lucky enough to visit the Gloucester mosque before when Mark Owen from Punchline invited me. So I knew I needed to take off my shoes.

In this visit, iMAM Hassan shared the history of Islam, offering insights into the faith and traditions and he spoke about the 5 pillars of Islam which include Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Charity and Pilgrimage. I found it fascinating that 2.5% of wealth each year from every individual goes to charity, and the on the pilgrimage men and women wear white and black gowns, they’re the same so you cannot tell if you’re standing next to someone with or without wealth. In the history of Islam, I was fascinated to hear that an Islam coin was found on Offa’s Dyke in 776 (Offa’s Dyke is a linear walking trail that roughly follows the border between England and Wales.)

It’s such a close knit community locally and globally.

It was a truly enlightening and joyful experience, showcasing the diversity within our own community that often goes unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

There were a number of stalls, I spoke to Khadijah Ginwalla at the NHS Gloucestershire stall and I spoke to Ismail who showed me his wonderful Unreflected Reflections book which showcased visual photographic stories from Gloucester.

And to add to the joyfulness of the experience, it was great to bump into the marvellous Julie Kent MBE too.

My thoughts then shifted to this amazing talent pool on our doorstep once more and the remarkable array of individuals each possessing?unique skills and talents. However, this pool of talent often remains undiscovered outside the walls of healthcare and public sector organisations.

Currently, as part of my portfolio career, I'm on a fractional interim assignment at Connectr Talent Acquisition and we bring equity to talent acquisition covering early careers (graduates, interns & apprentices) returners, over 50s and everything in between and I'm an executive career coach too, so it got me thinking.

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Challenges of Diverse Hiring:

One of the challenges that stood out during my reflections was the difficulty in hiring individuals with names unfamiliar to our cultural norms. A name can become a stumbling block in the hiring process and the discomfort in pronouncing names outside our usual repertoire can unintentionally lead to overlooking valuable talent.

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Breaking the Barriers:

It's crucial for businesses to actively break down these barriers. Creating an inclusive hiring process that appreciates diverse names, backgrounds, and experiences is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic move. Embracing diversity fosters innovation, creativity, and a richer workplace culture.

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The Power of Inclusion:

Imagine the untapped potential we could unlock if we embraced diversity wholeheartedly. The NHS has shown that by recognizing and valuing diverse talents, they can build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system. The journey to inclusivity starts with acknowledging the richness that diversity brings to the table.

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My Sunday morning journey was not just a visit to a mosque; it was a voyage into the heart of our community, a reflection on hidden talents and a call to action for embracing diversity. As we navigate the complexities of hiring and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, let's remember it's in our differences that we find strength, resilience, and the power to shape a better, more inclusive future. Value, equity, diversity and inclusion is crucial in today’s workplace and we should positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, socio-economic status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. Diversity drives innovation, and we should encourage those from all backgrounds to apply for roles.

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As the influx of Christmas messages fills the air, I wanted to extend warm wishes to all by saying, "Happy Holidays!" This expression is chosen for its inclusive nature, encompassing the diverse celebrations and traditions that make this season special for everyone. May this festive time be filled with joy, peace, and shared moments of happiness, regardless of the specific holiday each person may be celebrating.

#diversity #inclusion #community #culturalexploration #learning