Cultivating a workforce that is diverse and inclusive

Question 1

Diverse - Bias / Neuro Div

How have you contributed to moving the dial on diversity and inclusion within our organisation?

Answer 1

• Why diversity and inclusivity is so important?
• If not – one dimensional. Diverse Workplace increases range of ideas and creativity.
• By being inclusive we welcome people from different backgrounds so that they can flourish.
• Better respond to needs of clients.
• Important to cultivate and develop - not tick box.
• Interviews for Aracdis.
• **Unconscious Bias **Courses on LXP
• Become a mentor for 2 x RICS APC Students
• Both Female and Black.
• One is also Dyslexic.
• Mandated 24 hours learning GPS.
• Celebrate diversity - team meetings.
• Values Moments
• Coffee Catch Ups.

Team Meetings, Interviews, RICS APC

Question 2

Team Leader Role

Give me an example of when you have built an inclusive team with a mix of ideas, viewpoints and insights.

Answer 2

• I want people to love working at Arcadis.
• Draw on my experience from a past working environment that had a bad culture.
• People were criticised, blamed and not supported.
• We are currently building an inclusive team.
• Culture Add not Culture Fit. (17% Women but 50% non-white from 3 continents)
• Create a positive work environment.
• People are appreciated for what they do even if a thank you.
• Praised in front of peers and rewarded if necessary (spot bonus)
• Celebrate successes
• Share stories – holiday snaps etc.
• Regular team meetings
• Regular 1 to 1’s
• Coffee catch-ups
• Team socials
• Create an environment where it is ok to ask questions and ask for help.

Question 3

CW / CK

Tell me about a time when you have encouraged a team, client or stakeholder to align with our values and behaviours.

CK / CW

Answer 3

• CK / CW Left March 2023.
• No Commercial Director.
• Period of uncertainty.
• Several team members had also handed their notice in.
• Re-Alignment / Reset.
• I asked to take on the Team Leader role for Birmingham Office and help the new CD.
  Continuity.
  Staff Poll Feedback - what are we doing right, wrong and what they want. Socials / Anchor Days.
• Build network and relationships.
• Be part of something.
• We are not 5 days a week in each others pockets.

Question 4

Diverse - Bias / Neuro Div

Give me an example of when you have demonstrated personal ownership and accountability in respect of diversity and inclusion.

Answer 4

Undertaking Interviews and RICS APC Counsellor Support
Unconscious Bias - Arcadis LXP.
conclusions without facts
can be good or bad but everyone has it to a degree despite best intentions.
**Stereotypes have Long term impacts. **
Aware - impacts on decision making.
Decision making not transparent
Deal with perceptions of bias.
Neurodiversity Training
Taken on RICS Student who is Dyslexic
New to me.
Important for Counsellor to guide the student through the process.
Think / communicate / behave differently.
Difference in language processing - reading / writing
Self development
How to deal with dyslexic worker?
Support and respect
Helpful, patient and understanding.
Non-judgmental.
Ask about needs.

Question 5

Give me an example of then you have challenged poor behaviour in respect of diversity and inclusion.