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Workplace Pride Launches the 2024 Global Benchmark

1 February 2024
John Ryan
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Categories: Global Benchmark, Member, News, news

Date: February 01 2024

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Workplace Pride proudly announces the launch of the Global Benchmark 2024, a pioneering tool created to gauge LGBTIQ+ policies and practices among active employers. Since its inception in 2014, the Global Benchmark has served as an indispensable resource for organisations. It navigates the complexities of implementing global Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) and LGBTIQ+ policies, especially in regions where legal frameworks or cultural norms present challenges.

Register for the 2024 Global Benchmark today!

For any further questions, please refer to our Global Benchmark FAQ page here.

The Global Benchmark offers participants:

Customised Overview: Delivers individual, tailor-made insights into organizations’ LGBTIQ+ policies and practices.

Practical Improvements: Provides actionable suggestions for enhancing policies and practices.

Peer Comparison: Highlights how organizations compare with their peers in the industry.

Recognition: Awards a prestigious “Workplace Pride Global Benchmark Endorsement” to top-scoring organizations.

International Standard: Emerges as the premier measurement tool for evaluating LGBTIQ+ policies and practices for globally active employers.

Individual Results:

Submit your entry, and by the end of June, receive a personalised report with specific recommendations for improvement. This exclusive service is complimentary for Workplace Pride members.

Registration is free of charge for all Workplace Pride members.

Non-members can participate by paying an administrative fee of €3000.- (excluding VAT). The Global Benchmark 2024 opens its doors today,  February 1, 2024, and the submission period closes on April 20, 2024.

Seize this opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workplace environment. Register today to be part of the movement driving positive change.
For more information and to register, visit Global Benchmark 2024

WORKPLACE PRIDE FOUNDATION CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

30 January 2024
John Ryan
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Categories: Annual Members Meeting, Event, Member, news, News

Amsterdam, January 30, 2024 – The Workplace Pride Foundation is pleased to share the success of the Annual Members Meeting and New Year’s Reception, which took place on Thursday, January 25th, 2024, at the EDGE Amsterdam West. The event was hosted by Workplace Pride Partner APG and Member Intertrust Group, a CSC Company, at their EDGE West location in Amsterdam. Exclusive to Workplace Pride members, the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the Foundation’s achievements in 2023 and outlined exciting plans for the upcoming year, 2024.

WhatsApp Image 2024-01-30 at 14.56.23
Annual Members Meeting and New Year’s Reception

The Annual Members Meeting served as a dynamic platform for members to engage in a vibrant exchange, commemorating the Foundation’s successes over the past year. The meeting showcased a detailed overview of initiatives, accomplishments, and impactful work carried out in 2023. Additionally, the Foundation unveiled ambitious plans and projects scheduled for 2024, fostering a sense of shared commitment among attendees.

Download Presentation

David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride Foundation, expressed gratitude for the active participation:

“A heartfelt thank you to APG and CSC-Intertrust for graciously hosting our Annual Members Meeting and  New Year’s reception in their unique offices! It was a delight to present the Foundation to both our longstanding and new members, experiencing that shared sense of mission we all hold dear. The future, where LGBTIQ+ individuals can authentically be themselves at work, is a collective effort, and we are much stronger together.”

Workplace Pride Expresses Deep Concern Over Russia’s Supreme Court Ruling

1 December 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Member, News, news, Workplace Pride Communities

Workplace Pride, dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces globally, expresses profound concern over Russia’s Supreme Court designating LGBT activists as “extremists.” This decision poses a significant threat to the safety, well-being, and professional lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the region.

The endorsement of the justice ministry’s request to ban the “international LGBT social movement” reflects an alarming trend in Russia, marked by increasing restrictions on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity, including laws prohibiting the promotion of “non-traditional” relations and limiting legal or medical changes of gender.

President Vladimir Putin’s portrayal of Russia as a defender of traditional moral values, coupled with the suppression of diverse voices, underscores the challenging environment faced by the LGBTIQ+ community.

This ruling raises serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Russia. Workplace Pride stands in solidarity with the global community in condemning the suppression of their rights, advocating for a world where diversity is embraced and celebrated.

The ruling contributes to the distressing list of over 100 groups labelled as “extremist” in Russia, heightening concerns about potential arrests within the LGBTIQ+ community. The ambiguity surrounding the court’s definition of the “LGBT movement” leaves room for misuse, further jeopardising the rights and safety of the community.

“From our own experience in Russia, and other countries around the world, we know that inclusive workplaces for LGBTIQ+ people foster economic growth, both for businesses and the countries they invest in.” said David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride Foundation. “For this reason, we call on our members and all other international leaders, businesses, and organisations to join us in condemning this ruling. We urge Russian authorities to reconsider and prioritise the protection of the rights and well-being of their LGBTIQ+ citizens who make such a rich and useful contribution to Russian society.”

Workplace Pride represents more than 120 multinationals, governments and academic institutions who employee millions of individuals globally. The Foundation is active around the world in promoting LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion and creating workplaces where everyone can truly be themselves. 

David Pollard

Executive Director 

Workplace Pride

Workplace Pride Affirms Commitment to Inclusivity by Signing #WorkingPositively Pledge

1 December 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, Member, news, News

Amsterdam 1st, 2023

Country General Manager IBM Johan Heij,  Kyra Keybets, Director of Staff at the Social and Economic Council, and David Pollard Executive Director Workplace Pride

Workplace Pride has reaffirmed its dedication to creating inclusive environments by signing the #WorkingPositively Pledge. Spearheaded by Workplace Pride Member IBM in the Netherlands, this initiative encourages employers to be role models in supporting individuals with HIV and chronic illnesses.

Prominent Workplace Pride members, including ING, Shell, Unilever, KLM, Booking, and Rijksoverheid, have joined the #WorkingPositively initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering diverse and supportive workplaces. This pledge underscores Workplace Pride’s ongoing efforts to champion inclusivity, emphasising the importance of prioritising the health, dignity, and rights of every individual in the workforce.

The initiative, part of the international Working Positively movement, aims to create a stigma-free, respectful, safe, and inclusive work environment for people with HIV and other chronic conditions. On World AIDS Day, Workplace Pride members proudly shared their commitment, marking the 35th commemoration of the day with the theme “Remember and Commit.”

David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, signed the #WorkingPositively declaration on behalf of Workplace Pride Foundation, emphasising the importance of a more inclusive working environment. 

Companies are encouraged to join #WorkingPositively Netherlands and sign the declaration to contribute to a stigma-free work environment for individuals living with HIV and other chronic conditions. More information can be found https://www.workingpositively.hiv/

#WorkplacePride #WorldAidsDay #WorkingPositively #InclusiveIBM #Aids #Inclusion

ING’s Rainbow Lions Roar Loud: Celebrating 20 Years of LGBTIQ+ Empowerment and Progress!

16 November 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, Member, News, news

GALA, ING’s Pioneering LGBTIQ+ Employee Network, Marks Two Decades of Impactful Advocacy

November 16, Amsterdam: In a vibrant and heartwarming celebration, ING’s Rainbow Lions, formerly known as GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association), commemorated two decades of relentless dedication to LGBTIQ+ empowerment and workplace inclusion. The event united founders, including David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, along with chairs and supporters from both the past and present. Together, they reflected on the remarkable journey of being ‘out’ in the workplace and envisioned the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Reflecting on Progress

The event was a poignant moment to reflect on the early challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in the workplace and the incredible strides made over the past 20 years. The founders and chairs shared anecdotes of the network’s inception and the hurdles overcome to establish one of Europe’s first LGBTIQ+ employee networks. From those initial challenges to becoming an influential force advocating diversity, inclusion, and belonging, the Rainbow Lions have played a pivotal role in shaping a more tolerant and accepting work environment, both inside and outside of ING.

ING Group Executive Board’s Endorsement

Andrew Bester, Head of Wholesale Banking and sponsor and supporter from the ING Group Executive Board underscored the enduring significance of the LGBTIQ+ community within ING, emphasising its role as a vital and integral part of the organisation. He acknowledged the strides made and reaffirmed the commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Expanding Horizons

From its humble beginnings, the Rainbow Lions have expanded their influence across various ING countries, becoming a symbol of diversity and progress. The network’s commitment to fostering an environment where individuals can be their authentic selves has resonated, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the organisation.

INGRAINBOW_177

Looking Forward

As the Rainbow Lions celebrate two decades of progress, the event also served as a platform to discuss the future challenges that the LGBTIQ+ community still faces. Participants engaged in conversations about the ongoing work needed to address these challenges and continue the journey towards true equality.

Conclusion

The 20th-anniversary celebration of ING’s Rainbow Lions was a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the LGBTQI+ community. Cheers resonated throughout the event, echoing the collective pride in the progress made and the determination to continue the journey towards a more inclusive and accepting future. 🌈🦁🎉

David Pollard, Marion Mulder, Martha McDevitt-Pugh, Dimitri Elve, Ezra Clarke, Francesco D’Argento, Kim L.

#INGRainbowLions #20YearsStrong #RainbowLions20 #INGGala #WorkplacePride #DiversityandInclusion

Workplace Pride Collaborates with RVO and Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Inspirational “Stories from the Heart” Event

16 August 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Member, News, Stories From The Heart, Workplace Pride Communities

Amsterdam, August 4th 2023 — Workplace Pride partnered with the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present the enlightening event, “Stories from the Heart.” This event brought together trailblazing LGBTIQ+ activists hailing from diverse corners of the globe, all of whom were engaged in the RVO’s esteemed “Building Bridges” initiative. This remarkable gathering aimed to foster connection, share insights, and promote understanding within the Workplace Pride community.

The “Stories from the Heart” event served as a platform for these dedicated activists to impart their on-the-ground experiences to fellow Workplace Pride members. These passionate activists, each representing unique regions of the world, were deeply involved in the RVO’s “Building Bridges” program, which sought to establish meaningful connections and collaborations across borders.

The event’s significance lay in its ability to bring together these activists and Workplace Pride members who often had colleagues working in the same countries. By sharing their first-hand experiences, the activists provided invaluable insights into the local landscape, culture, and challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals. This exchange of perspectives was poised to foster greater understanding and collaboration, enabling Workplace Pride members to approach their work and interactions with an enhanced sense of empathy and cultural awareness.

“Stories from the Heart” represented an opportunity for cross-cultural learning and appreciation, as activists and Workplace Pride members engaged in open dialogues, forged connections, and created lasting bonds. Through the power of personal narratives, this event aimed to uplift, empower, and inspire attendees to continue championing diversity and inclusion in their respective workplaces.

The “Stories from the Heart” event encapsulated the spirit of unity, collaboration, and progress, serving as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and shared experiences. In an increasingly interconnected world, such initiatives were crucial in fostering global understanding and empathy, and Workplace Pride was proud to have been at the forefront of this meaningful endeavor.

Disney Benelux Joins Workplace Pride in Celebrating Unity and Inclusion During Pride

1 August 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Member, News, Workplace Pride Communities

Pride is a time of celebration, inclusion, and unity for the LGBTIQ+ community, and we couldn’t be prouder to have recently hosted a special visit at our Amsterdam offices from Disney Benelux, one of our Workplace Pride members! 

Ester de Wit and Laura Ballyn from Disney Benelux join David Pollard from Workplace Pride at the Amsterdam office.

It was an absolute pleasure to share Workplace Pride’s approach to LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion with the fantastic and enthusiastic team at Disney. Together, we are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and embraced for who they are. 

To commemorate this special occasion and the spirit of #NeverStopCelebratingPride, we are excited to share the newest X-BERG News Video featuring Workplace Pride! We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Thank you, Disney Benelux, for joining us in spreading love and acceptance during Pride. Let’s continue to stand together in creating a world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can be their authentic selves.