Lucy Harding Williamson on LinkedIn: AHRI L&OD Network Event - Exploring an inclusive job design philosophy |… (2024)

Humans crave community. It’s the connective tissue that binds us through shared experiences and common ideology. We all seek it, whether we do it through conscious effort or through unconscious motivation.Community is a superpower. For example, as a member of my religious Ismaili community I am able to find belonging, build connections and find and provide support for my peers. Inside the workplace, community is just as important. Employee resource groups (ERGs) or staff networks’ have the ability to wield the power of community to be agents of positive change within an organization.Within Google we have over 17 ERGs with over 35,000 members across more than 50 countries. It’s through their efforts that we have initiatives and events with outsized impact such as the VetNet Career Week, the #IAmRemarkable workshop series, the All In inclusive marketing playbook and so much more. The hurdle that all of these initiatives have cleared is finding executive buy-in. In a recent article for the Harvard Business Review, Hira Ali breaks down a clear process for harnessing community to drive change. It starts with “Knowing your why”, understanding what your initiative hopes to address and the goals behind it so you can make the best case for it.For the rest of their tips I encourage you to read the full article: https://bit.ly/45igR6N#ERG #community #workplaceculture #DEI #belonging #VetNetCareerWeek #AllIn

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Today the USA marks the National Day of Listening! This day, while unnoticed and unobserved by many, serves as a reminder of the profound impact that active listening can have on our connections, both personal and professional. In the workplace, fostering a culture of attentive listening is essential. It promotes open communication, strengthens team dynamics, and boosts overall productivity.Take the time to truly listen, ask thoughtful questions, and embrace the richness that diverse voices bring to the workplace. It's not just about hearing words; it's about understanding the meaning behind them.#NationalDayOfListening #WorkplaceCulture #ActiveListening #ProfessionalDevelopment

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Embracing openness and welcoming others to the circleDuring open networking, consider how you and the group you’re talking to are standing. Is the circle open? Is it inviting for others to join your conversation?To show inclusivity, position yourself in a way that leaves an open space in the circle, signalling that there's room for more voices and perspectives. Maintain an approachable body language, making eye contact and actively engaging with newcomers.It's vital to keep the circle open as it fosters diversity, encourages collaboration, and nurtures a sense of belonging. By inviting others, we create an environment where everyone's ideas are valued, and collective growth thrives.#networkingtip #networkingskills #networkingtips #networkinggroup #networkingtimes #networkingevents #networkingevent #networkingbusiness #networkingworks #networkingmarketing #connect #networkinglife

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Keen to hear thoughts from neurodivergent professionals, networks, advocates etc -I'm a member of a few LinkedIn networking groups, but I find it hard to keep up with them especially when they're national or global and include a lot of adverts.I have two questions:1) Can anyone recommend a group/network specific to neurodivergent professionals in the UK that are actively working together to improve inclusion in their workplaces? I don't want to be sold to - I want to connect. I'm already a member of a couple of really great wider ones, just looking for something a bit more specific. 2) Are there any existing neurodivergent networking groups in the Yorkshire/Leeds area? I'm considering setting one up - one that would hopefully have regular in-person and hybrid meet-ups. I'd hope that we could help each other grow and foster employee resource groups, share tips, work together on wider events, and generally share our experiences. If something local already exists, I don't want to step on any toes - just keen to get the ball rolling! If you know of anything or would like to be involved, or if I can help with anything that already exists - please give me a shout. :) #NeurodivergentNetworking #Neurodiversity #Leeds #Yorkshire #Networking

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Thinking Differently About GenZ Employees- RECOGNIZE AND MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE- COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, AND THEN SOME MORE- BE EMPATHETIC TO THEIR CAREER GOALS- POINT OUT THE BENEFITS OF BUILDING WORKPLACE NETWORKS- SEE CHALLENGES AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW TOGETHERhttps://smpl.is/7j0r8

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Social Spaces span the spectrum—from calming to energetic, collaborative focus work to celebrations, indoors and outside. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know—insights, applications, and solutions—for creating Social Spaces that draw people in to help them feel (and do) their best.https://ow.ly/TAMM50Pt97m

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For too long introverts have not been given space to be heard at work. This article has some great food for thought for introverts who want to ensure their views are taken into consideration - but when it comes down to it - it's in an organisation's best interest to create the conditions where introverts get a say.I'd encourage you to check out LIberating Structures - https://lnkd.in/eS4kN_6d - if you are looking for ideas for ways to do that.https://lnkd.in/eXQYrNgB

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Durban Rec/TA meetupThanks to the general chatter at Recruiters Unite and words of encouragement from some key folk, we have decided to get our KZN Talent Hunter community meetup's off the ground. KZN has a whole host of amazing people in the talent and employment space and it's high time we get together for the good of our industry.Please find the details for our first meetup in the image.A few notes to help you get the most out of this:Purpose: to spend time together discussing key issues in our space and brainstorming potential solutions. Knowledge and diversity of thought are truly powerful and by coming together to combine our collective experience we can strengthen the impact of our industry as a whole. Is there a common problem we can solve together? How can we address general concerns in our space? If you're feeling alone and wondering if there is life out there- come along and let's chat! Have an opening for collaboration- this could be the spot to find help.Ground rules: this is not a space to share sensitive info or IP, company or client secrets, or engage in any anti-competitive behaviour. Let's keep things above board and professional. Mutual respect is key. Everyone is expected to pay for their own beverages. At this first meeting we will discuss setting up future sessions and how often they should be held. Please feel free to share with like-minded talent professionals in the area.Looking forward to seeing you all!

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🤝 How we build a sense of communityPeople band together more easily when the atmosphere at work isn't too bureaucratic, or they tend to bond against oppressive bosses, which hopefully isn't the case.And community building can't be mandated by the company either. Extra-corporate activities and team building won't work that well.Before you think about the activities themselves, you should establish clear values, goals and aspirations, and only then:1️⃣ Implement the "people-first" approach by recognizing individuals and their contributions and encouraging employee communication2️⃣ And by organizing different activities, from hiring a happiness manager to setting up a Discord channel, movie nights or listening to music together.This week we'll cover all of this in detail. You can also read the full article on our blog.👇 Follow the link in the comments.

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