IT might appear to be another business buzzword, but D&I (otherwise known as Diversity and Inclusion to you and me) is more than a corporate abbreviation.
For us at your Channel Islands Co-operative, it means a great deal – not just during the Channel Islands Pride celebrations but throughout the entire year.
It is an understanding which resonates throughout the culture of our workplace, which is why we are proud to be DIFERA accredited and a proud champion of inclusivity and belonging.
Why is diversity and inclusion so important?
What does diversity and inclusion look like at your Co-op?
When managers and team leaders feel valued and respected, it resonates throughout an entire team.
We regularly schedule training and sessions which help to educate our colleagues on the importance of diversity, and encourage open, honest discussions within our workplace.
We believe our values of openness and respect should be demonstrated at executive, senior and board levels.
It is not about always being right, but being moral, truthful and recognising where we can learn and change from our mistakes.
Our policies are more than about holiday allowance and issues.
It is about recognising the individuality of our colleagues and their needs, like the Menopause-friendly 51 Employers pledge, or our maternity or paternity leave.
It is supporting colleagues rather than just ‘entitlements’.
We regularly engage and review our performance with our colleagues.
Our 2022 Society feedback shows that ¾ of employees are happy at the Co-op (87%), whilst 89% said that they felt we embraced diversity and inclusion in all we do.**
**Coop Voice 2022 Survey
Our colleague induction programme allows new colleagues to feel welcome from their very first day.
Our HR and Learning & Development teams welcome all colleagues by helping them understand their new culture, workplace policies and help them to settle in.
