2023 Workplace Pride Impact Awards Gala Celebrates Champions of Equality and Inclusivity

Organisations Worldwide Recognised for Commitment to LGBTIQ+ Cause in Record-breaking Gala Event at Amsterdam’s Maritime Museum

Amsterdam, November 3, 2023 – The 2023 Workplace Pride Impact Awards Gala began in style as the renowned Belgian singer-songwriter and Eurovision sensation, Gustaph, took the stage to open the highly anticipated event. The talented artist represented Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom, with his captivating performance of the song “Because of You,” which he sang to over 400 members of Workplace Pride at the Het Scheepvaart Museum (The Dutch National Maritime Museum).

Gustaph’s electrifying presence and musical prowess set the tone for an evening dedicated to celebrating and honouring individuals and organisations committed to the cause of diversity and inclusivity, especially in support of the LGBTIQ+ community. This was the 10th anniversary of the Workplace Pride Impact Awards Gala.

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View the 2023 Workplace Pride Awards Gala Photos here!

The Winners:

Network of the Year Impact Award – Accenture
Accenture’s Global Pride network was acknowledged for empowering employees to lead local change, promoting policy transformations, fostering a sense of belonging, and establishing a visible presence within and beyond their corporate spaces. Their Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) creates an inclusive atmosphere and serves as a valuable resource, offering proactive feedback and ideas to enhance global initiatives.

Volunteer of the Year Impact Award – Razvan Bran (He/Him) – Lenovo
Razvan Bran, from Lenovo in Romania, was recognised for his exemplary dedication to fostering LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. He led workshops, volunteer activities, and advocacy efforts to educate Lenovo employees and the broader community about diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly with regard to LGBTIQ+ issues.

Media Outreach of the Year Impact AwardShell India Mobility “We are Human, First”
Shell India Mobility was commended for its bold media campaign in India, aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding the queer community. The campaign highlighted Shell as an equal opportunity employer, raising awareness of the challenges faced by the transgender community in Indian society and advocating for their acceptance and inclusion.

Ally of the Year Impact Award – Terhi Kivinen (She/Her) – Kemira
Terhi Kivinen, Chief Communications Officer at Kemira, was honoured for her extraordinary dedication as a founding sponsor and executive sponsor, advancing LGBTIQ+ inclusion within her organisation. Her active participation in Pride events, support for LGBTIQ+ employees, and consistent championing of diversity in leadership set a remarkable standard for allyship.

Role Model of the Year Impact Award – Janet Visbeen (She/Her) – PwC
Janet Visbeen, a partner at PwC Nederland, was celebrated for her impressive career and openness about her sexuality. She has been a role model, actively supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, setting up networks, and promoting self-identification within PwC.

Members’ Choice – Game Changer of the Year Award Helen Demosthenous (She/Her) – KLM
Helen Demosthenous of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was nominated for her tireless energy and commitment to diversity and inclusion. She actively promotes D&I within KLM and has been fearless in advocating for equity and respect, challenging the status quo.

Global Benchmark Results:
The benchmark results for 2023 showcased the evolving landscape, with organisations increasingly responsive to societal changes and the needs of the LGBTIQ+ community. The Adovocates included Unilever, Sodexo, Shell, RELX Elsevier, PwC Netherlands, IBM, Dow, and Accenture, achieving scores consistently surpassing 90%.

Acknowledged as Ambassadors were organisations such as Nokia, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn & Sport, McKinsey & Company, KLM, ING, Deloitte, Cisco, Avery Dennison, Arcadis, and Aegon N.V., which secured scores ranging from 70% to 90%.

This year’s awards represent a significant milestone in the ongoing journey towards greater inclusivity and equality for all.

Global Benchmark 2023: A Triumph of LGBTIQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace

Organisations Worldwide Recognised for Commitment to Equality and Inclusivity

Amsterdam November 03, 2023. In a celebration of commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Global Benchmark 2023 is here, applauding organisations that have shown unwavering dedication to the LGBTIQ+ cause. This year’s benchmark results, which were announced at the 10th annual Workplace Pride Impact Awards Gala, reflect the evolving landscape, where organisations are increasingly responsive to societal changes, particularly in their relationships with the LGBTIQ+ community.

Pioneering the Path to Inclusivity

The Global Benchmark for 2023 is a testament to the remarkable organisations that are not only reshaping their workplaces but also driving substantial societal transformation. Among the standout performers for 2023, we find:

Advocates: These are the organisations that have set the gold standard, achieving top-level scores, consistently surpassing 90% in the 2023 results. These top achievers, listed in reverse alphabetical order, include Unilever, Sodexo, Shell, RELX Elsevier, PwC Netherlands, IBM, Dow, and Accenture.

Ambassadors: Acknowledged for their significant achievements, these organisations secured scores ranging from 70% to 90% in the 2023 results. Notable names in this category, listed in reverse alphabetical order, include Nokia, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn & Sport, McKinsey & Company, KLM, ING, Deloitte, Cisco, Avery Dennison, Arcadis, and Aegon N.V.

Congratulations also go to those organisations who have made the greatest strides in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion over the past year: 

Most Improved over 2022 Global Benchmark score:

dsm-firmenich+31%
Gilead Sciences Netherlands+ Belgium +30%
Kite Pharma EU B.V.+29%
Nike+27%
Cisco+26%
Avery Dennison+25%

A Global Symbol of Inclusion

The Global Benchmark serves as a symbol of excellence in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion across the world. It empowers organisations with valuable data, enabling them to assess and enhance LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion within their entities, regardless of their geographical location.

Each participating organisation is provided with a comprehensive assessment of their progress, categorised into eight critical dimensions: Policy & Communication, Employee Networks, Workplace Awareness, Support & Benefits, Inclusion & Engagement, Expertise & Monitoring, Business & Supplier Engagement, and Societal Impact.

Striving for Equality

For a deeper understanding of the Global Benchmark 2023 and to explore the detailed results, readers are encouraged to consult the full press release, accessible via the button below. This year’s achievements stand as a pivotal moment in the journey toward greater inclusivity and equality for all.

The Global Benchmark 2023 is not just an award but a beacon of hope, guiding organisations toward a brighter, more inclusive future for the LGBTIQ+ community in the workplace.

Workplace Pride Announces 2023 Impact Awards Nomination Shortlist

Date:October 11, 2023

Amsterdam, Netherlands – On this significant National Coming Out Day, Workplace Pride takes immense pleasure in unveiling the much-anticipated shortlist for the 2023 Impact Awards. These awards are a testament to the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

A Night of Celebration

The pinnacle of this year’s journey will be the Impact Awards Gala, hosted at the prestigious Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam on Friday, November 3rd, 2023. It will be a night of celebration, recognising those who have shown unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces.

Exceptional Finalists

This year’s shortlist includes outstanding nominees in various categories, reflecting the dedication and hard work invested in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Here’s a glimpse of the exceptional finalists:

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Network Award

This prestigious award honours the Workplace Pride member LGBTIQ+ network that has demonstrated outstanding engagement within their organisation and the broader community over the past year. The nominees for this category are:

– PwC

– Accenture

– Shell

These networks embody unity, collaboration, and impactful engagement, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Volunteer Award

The Volunteer Award celebrates individuals from Workplace Pride member organisations who have gone above and beyond to foster LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. The nominees for this category are:

– Mike van de Langenberg (They/Them) – Van Lanschot Kempen

– Kaneesha Nadal (They/Them) – Kite Pharma EU BV

– Razvan Bran(He/Him) – Lenovo

These remarkable volunteers have made a meaningful difference in the lives of many through their dedication to inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Media Outreach Award

This award acknowledges the power of positive representation in the media. It celebrates Workplace Pride members who have effectively highlighted LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion through media channels. The nominees for this category are:

– Can you see me campaign – Deloitte

– Shell India Mobility – Shell

– Pride matters. Every Day – ING

These nominees have played a crucial role in shaping informed perspectives on LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Ally Award

The Ally Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated unwavering support for inclusivity and understanding, both within their organisation and externally. The nominees for this category are:

– Vandana Verma – SLB

– Marijke Loonen – FrieslandCampina

– Terhi Kivinen (She /Her) – Kemira

These exceptional allies have shown extraordinary dedication to the cause of inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Role Model Award

This award honours individuals who lead by example and inspire positive change, contributing to the creation of more LGBTIQ+ inclusive workplaces. The nominees for this category are:

– Janet Visbeen (She /Her) – PwC

– Sharron Cairns (She/Her) – Nike

– Yasmin Reis – Shell Brazil

These role models are trailblazers who set a path for others to follow, demonstrating the power of leadership in fostering inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Members’ Choice – Game Changer Award

This distinguished award recognizes initiatives among Workplace Pride members that ignite societal impact for the LGBTIQ+ community. It celebrates projects or efforts that have the potential to move and activate people, leaving a lasting positive imprint.

The full list of nominations and more information about the Workplace Pride Impact Awards can be found here.

As we eagerly await the results and the grand celebration at the Impact Awards Gala, Workplace Pride applauds these remarkable individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions towards a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Their dedication is an inspiration to all, and it reinforces the importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.