I've always enjoyed tough gigs and talking to the blokes in firms about how their firm's D&I strategy benefits the whole firm (and, therefore, them) can feel a bit like trying to influence the turkeys as Christmas approaches. At least that's how I sense many of the (straight, white) men hear the messages. But it is absolutely critical that we engage the audience, that we get them to think about the world they're working and leading in; where 80% of consumer decisions and 59% of graduates are female. All of us need to think about what that means and what a successful organisation looks like in that world.
I've always thought that men who are thoughtful and can communicate are best placed to do this work. I'm just hoping that Obama doesn't decide to slope off into obscurity come January. His recent carefully worded and personal thoughts on being a feminist published in Glamour magazine (?) are just the sort of thing I think we'll miss from his successor. He talks eloquently about being ourselves and challenging ourselves to change, to create more equal relationships, about being boxed in by stereotypes and above all about our responsibility to fight sexism. When everyone's equal, we are all more free. I can hear the a turkeys saying 'but no-one gave me this job, I worked hard for it.' And, of course, he did. What Obama does so well is to focus on the opportunities.
As a convert to home working I also loved his comments about the 45 second commute allowing him to be present in his family.
We need to keep changing the attitude that permits the routine harassment of women, whether they’re walking down the street or daring to go online. We need to keep changing the attitude that teaches men to feel threatened by the presence and success of women.We need to keep changing the attitude that congratulates men for changing a diaper, stigmatizes full-time dads, and penalizes working mothers. We need to keep changing the attitude that values being confident, competitive, and ambitious in the workplace—unless you’re a woman. Then you’re being too bossy, and suddenly the very qualities you thought were necessary for success end up holding you back.
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Happy hour? A conversation about alcohol and work – culture, risk and belonging
From post-deal drinks to client events and team celebrations, alcohol is woven into workplace culture. Yet when something goes wrong, it’s rarely seen as ‘just a drink’.
With new duties on employers to prevent sexual harassment, and growing attention on workplace risk and inclusion, it’s time to take a more intentional look at how alcohol shapes workplace culture – and the risks it carries.
This short, focused webinar will explore:
• How alcohol contributes to conduct, harassment and reputational risk
• The assumptions we make about what’s normal, social or expected
• How alcohol intersects with inclusion, wellbeing and boundaries
• What to think about when conducting risk assessments and looking at policies
• Practical steps to build positive connection while protecting what matters
Speakers:
Helen Dallimore
Head of Training, Byrne Dean
An experienced facilitator, trainer and former employment lawyer, Helen works with organisations to strengthen leadership capability and embed respectful workplace behaviours. She brings particular expertise in creating inclusive cultures where people feel safe, respected and able to thrive.
Cicilia Wan
Principal Consultant, Byrne Dean
A former employment lawyer and experienced Head of Employee Relations in global financial services, Cicilia has seen first-hand how alcohol can affect conduct at work, with deep expertise in leadership, culture and people risk.
Steven McCann
Founder and Director, MCG Consulting
A leading voice in workplace addiction and recovery inclusion, Steven advises organisations on addiction awareness, recovery-informed culture and social mobility. He has spoken at the Bank of England and works regularly with law societies, the Legal Services Board and institutions across law, finance and corporate sectors.
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