The selfless act of becoming true to yourself

What's the one thing that is most crucial for anyone in life? Our identity.

With each passing year, the world transforms and becomes more competitive. In the midst of life's craziness, people tend to lose themselves or try to blend in. However, one must wonder what the end result will be if we hide our true selves to fit in with society. In the long run, we may lose sight of our true selves. The corporate world is where people spend half of their time, hence it becomes the duty of the corporations or companies to ensure that such an environment is created that helps one be comfortable and true to themselves.

We at ADVANCE.AI, continuously strive to work toward creating a work environment where one can feel comfortable sharing their ideas and can explore creativity. As we celebrate pride month around our offices this year, we asked our employees how they are contributing to establishing?a?working?environment?that?ensures?their?team?workers?or?co-workers?feel?safe?and?are?true?to?their?identity.?

(1)?How?has?the?definition of establishing?a?diversified, inclusive,?and belonging environment?changed?over?the?era?of?your?working?experience??

Diversity and inclusion are no longer "nice to have" at our workplace. As we become more globalized, it is an important aspect that must be part of any strategic planning. It needs to be part of the core values of any high-growth organization.

-- Teng Sherng Lim , Chief Commercial Officer, ADVANCE.AI

(2) What do you think is the impact on an employee's productivity and mental health if a company fails to have diversity & inclusion principles?

The work environment has a significant impact on an employee's productivity and mental health. If a company fails to provide a diverse, belonging, and inclusive environment, the consequences are severe, and it has an impact on the employee's mental health. People become very stressed, and this stress continues until it begins to affect one's ability to maximize their potential. Soon, they begin to feel restricted, and their ability to innovate and create through their creativity becomes hazy in the midst of their confusion. Because a person grows up where he or she finds peace, it's critical for a company to make it one of its goals and create an environment where people can be calm and innovate.

-- Kapil Pandey, Marketing Manager, ADVANCE.AI

(3)?What do you think is one thing you (or leaders, or the company) can do to ensure that everyone feels included, appreciated, and as if they belong?

It is crucial for any company to boost employee engagement in order to make them feel included. Such initiatives help induce a sense of belonging in the minds of the people who work so hard for the organization.

Another way to ensure the existence of equality in the workspace is by regularly conducting workshops and interactive sessions with the entire team members so they get a chance to communicate better with one another, contributing to an environment where no one feels left out or conceals their true self in order to camouflage within society.

-- JiangBo Yu, AI-R&D Lead, ADVANCE.AI

(4) What is your experience of Diversity & Inclusion at ADVANCE.AI? How is it different from your previous experiences?

After joining ADVANCE.AI, I understood what Diversity & Inclusion looks like. The employee group is diversified with different nationalities, religions, locations, backgrounds, and experiences, which makes my career journey here really exciting with the exposure of learning so much so from the varied group of people.

Also, the company promotes a lot of diverse events. We are a tech startup but for diversity and inclusion, we are like a 200 years old enterprise, that understands the core value of ensuring that each employee feels included and comfortable while working in the environment.

-- Zhiang Wan , Data Product Lead, ADVANCE.AI

(5) What can we do, as individuals, to help create a fair workplace culture that welcomes everyone -In short, an #AdvanceforAllAdvancers?

Inclusivity is not just about differences in sex, race, gender, age, religious background, physical ability, or sexual orientation. People with such similarities may also feel excluded by reason of their personality, characters, or otherwise. After all, each individual is unique.

Feeling inclusive is not just about feeling safe and belonging in the workplace, but also feeling excited and motivated. This is why creating a welcoming environment is the work of everyone disregarding their role in the company.

Allowing employees to speak up and be heard is the foundation of inclusivity. Every leader should set this very basic platform for all members of the team, with the aim to understand the situation and act upon a solution. Be accessible. Leaders should also create a healthy communication channel that allows two-way sharing of constructive feedback, and set a specific measurable goal for each member to avoid bias. Remember that diversity and inclusivity are not built merely from employing diverse talents, but from welcoming diverse perspectives.

While some inclusive actions may require certain training/knowledge (such as using proper language to address certain groups of people or creating policies of equal opportunities), there are many simple things that each individual can contribute to creating a welcoming culture, be it in formal situations or informal situations. Spend your lunchtime with one another, host alternate office events based on different interests, check on your unwell colleagues, or simply greet everyone including the quietest ones, just to name a few.

Last but not least, nothing is more important than being respectful. Treat others how you want to be treated.

-- Melanie Hadeli, Associate Director, Group Legal, ADVANCE.AI

(6) How crucial is it for you to be a part of an organization that supports diversity, inclusion, and belonging as a part of their company culture?

I am a member of the millennial generation. People of my generation are very open and vocal about their identities, and they want the rest of the world to know that the world has moved beyond the stereotypes that society has imposed. It's a spectrum world, and each color deserves to be recognized and respected for its uniqueness and choices.

As a result, working for a company whose culture respects one's individuality and ensures that an equal environment is maintained where one can speak openly about their preferences and nothing will put them down is becoming increasingly important.

I am glad to be a part of ADVANCE.AI since everyone here, be it the leaders or the management, ensures that a healthy working environment is created where one can blossom into the max of their abilities and induce way to creativity and innovation.

-- Abhimanyu Rai Bhagi, Business Solutions Consultant, ADVANCE.AI

As we head towards a future that is driven towards globalization, it is becoming our responsibility as corporates and individuals to help establish a society where there is no discrimination based on their personal choices and preferences or no stereotypes which could lead to harm to one's mental and emotional well being.

Let's join hands together to contribute towards building a society where one can have the liberty of being the version they envision themselves to be, without the stereotypes of the society cutting down their wings.?

If you feel?ADVANCE.AI's is the place for you, we will be delighted to welcome you to our extended family! Apply to our current open roles from?https://hubs.ly/Q010_r3D0?or send your CVs to [email protected]; we will reach out to you for suitable roles.