Inspiring Inclusion through Practical Policies
The theme for International Women's Day this year is 'inspiring inclusion'.
As the IWD website reads: "When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment."
With that in mind, the Gerety Awards turns to Lucky Generals chief executive officer Cressida Holmes-Smith, one of this year’s UK executive jury, for some words to help inspire inclusion.
What has been a key moment in your career when you felt inspired by a sense of belonging, relevance, or empowerment?
Cressida> The founders of Lucky Generals hired me straight off the back of my first maternity leave, and promoted me both during and directly after my second maternity leave. They have always had a steadfast belief in my future potential, continuing to empower and push me to the edge of my comfort zone, whilst supporting me to rise to the challenge.
To anyone who feels outside of your comfort zone, you're not alone. Lean in and try to enjoy it. It's how you grow.
Advertising has been on a journey to become more inclusive, but it takes a thousand changes and steps in the right direction before we'll be where we need to be. What do you see as the step that most companies in the sector need to take most urgently?
Cressida> For me, as a creative CEO, everything has to come back to the work. If I'm looking at the finances, I’m thinking about how that makes the work better. This is the same for inclusivity. How can we make better work if we’re not inclusive? So, to make sure we are making our business as inclusive as possible, we have looked at the make-up of our people, asked them what we should be focusing on and spent the past year creating an expansive set of new, up-to-date and practical policies. From period and menopause to fertility, transitioning at work and working parents. I think the industry can have a real blind spot when it comes to policy creation. Policies take a lot of work, time, and effort. They can’t just be bashed out. There are many steps, but here are three that really helped us.
Firstly, you need to ensure they are based on the lived experience of the people you are trying to support. Organise focus groups, use your own experience and bring in outside consultants.
Secondly, research, research research. Benchmark against other businesses and other industries. Do qual and quant. And keep speaking to staff.
Thirdly, keep updating and improving. Benchmark, exam and re-work.
