Embracing Diversity
One of the things that’s closest to my heart is how my Indian heritage plays into my identity. It’s not just something that’s ‘a part’ of me; it’s a huge piece of who I am. When I bring my full self to the workplace, I’m bringing my culture, my experiences, and a unique lens through which I see the world. This diversity allows me to approach problems differently and offer fresh ideas but for that to really make an impact, I need to feel like I belong, and that’s where inclusion becomes essential.
In inclusive environments, people like me feel welcome and appreciated. It makes adjusting to life in a new country so much easier when you know that your voice matters, and your identity is respected. For me, that’s where inclusivity hits home. It’s about being seen and valued for who you are, without needing to hide parts of yourself just to fit in.
Navigating Bias and Exclusion
Of course, inclusion isn’t always a given. There have been times when I’ve felt the sting of exclusion or bias because of where I come from. I remember moments when I felt judged or isolated simply because of my ethnicity. In a previous job, I experienced being cornered by colleagues, subtly excluded from conversations or social events because of my background. It wasn’t always obvious, but the feeling of being ‘othered’ was undeniable. It’s painful, and those experiences have taught me a lot about the importance of speaking up, not just for myself but for others in similar situations.
These moments of exclusion have pushed me to advocate for better understanding, to ensure that no one else has to feel like they don’t belong because of who they are. When we’re faced with bias, consciously or unconsciously, it’s an opportunity for growth—for both the person experiencing it and those responsible for it.
Finding Connection and Joy in Inclusion
On the flip side, I’ve also experienced the incredible power of inclusion. Some of my most memorable and meaningful interactions have come from colleagues who’ve made an effort to learn about my culture, to understand where I come from. It’s funny how sharing stories about my life in India or explaining certain cultural habits can spark curiosity and even laughter. It leads to conversations that made me feel like part of the team, part of a broader family.
I’ll never forget the surprise I felt when our plant manager at Sandown (someone I wouldn’t have expected) knew so much about Indian culture. We’d sit together during breaks, swapping stories and laughing about cultural habits. It’s those moments of genuine connection that make me realize how powerful inclusion really is. It’s not about erasing differences but celebrating them together.
Why Inclusion Matters to Everyone
To anyone who doesn’t yet fully understand the importance of inclusivity, I’d say this - it’s not just about fairness or doing what’s ‘right’ for appearances’ sake. Inclusivity is about creating an environment where everyone feels respected, where they’re free to contribute their best ideas without fear of judgment. When people feel safe and valued, they thrive. They innovate, they collaborate, and they bring their full selves to work and when that happens, it’s not just the individuals who benefit; the entire team and organisation become stronger, more creative, and more successful.
A Call for Curiosity and Empathy
If you’re someone looking to be more inclusive or to better understand your own biases, my advice is simple - be curious. Ask questions, and really listen to people’s stories. Don’t just take surface-level answers, dig deeper and show genuine interest. When you approach someone with an open mind and a desire to learn, you’ll find that the world is so much richer and more complex than you imagined. You’ll also discover that inclusion is not just something you do for others, it’s a mutual exchange that benefits everyone involved.
Inclusion, for me, has been about finding my place in a world far from where I grew up. It’s been about bringing my full self to the table, with the confidence that my voice matters. It’s about seeing others through a lens of curiosity and empathy and recognizing that we all have something valuable to offer. When we embrace that, we create spaces where everyone can thrive, both in the workplace and beyond.
And in the end, that’s the kind of world I want to be part of, a world where everyone belongs.
Shafique Ahmad
IT Network Engineer
