Belonging: The Foundation Of Success
Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging has become a widely held goal for many corporations. But what do these words mean, and why do they matter?
In the workplace and other areas of our lives, we want to be appreciated for our strengths and perspectives, which come from the unique life that only we have lived. This diversity of thought can be an asset that promotes creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and troubleshooting, ultimately raising the quality of the products and services that a company delivers in an ever-more competitive world.
Belonging is the foundation that enables us to bring our whole selves to work and to life itself. When we don’t have a sense of belonging, our work and health may suffer.
Photo Credit: IHS Markit
How do we create an atmosphere of belonging in the workplace? We can begin by looking at ourselves and asking deep and challenging questions such as, “What advantages have I been given that I may never have realized?” “What do I need to learn about other people’s lived experiences?” “What assumptions might I have unknowingly made, which may not be true?”
For example, at IHS Markit, we have developed the following Inclusion & Diversity Commitments:
IHS Markit Inclusion & Diversity Commitments
IHS Markit Sustainability Snapshots
At IHS Markit, we work consciously to embrace the diversity of perspectives throughout our organization. Inclusion is one of our foundational pillars. Our regional and global affinity groups encourage our colleagues to connect with each other and are a platform for members of different identity groups and their allies to share knowledge and teach others around the world. IHS Markit Unity Week, our internal event which we hold annually, provides a unique learning opportunity for all our colleagues. We encourage participants to listen with empathy and respect to all viewpoints expressed by others.
This kind of work is ongoing. It is a commitment to a lifelong journey of learning about others and ourselves and using what we have learned to create a more inclusive world for all.
Written By: Anusha De Silva
Associate Director, Climate and Sustainability
IHS Markit