—This is a copy from our internal employee handbook—
Disease does not discriminate. It affects everyone, cuts across all demographics without regard for race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Whatever our preferences or experiences, the proteins in our bodies are pretty much the same. In fact, we are 99% genetically identical, a testament to our shared humanity. Despite our biological similarities, we all have unconscious biases that can cloud our judgment and perceptions. These biases, often ingrained from a young age and reinforced by societal norms, can lead to unfair treatment of individuals. Discrimination and inequality impacts various aspects of life, from healthcare and employment to everyday social interactions. Recognising and addressing these biases is crucial for fostering a more equitable and just society, starting with our workplace.
At Inoviv, we strive towards a true culture of belonging, where no one is left behind. We care about the fair treatment and full participation of everyone, regardless of identity, background and experiences. We also believe that a diverse team brings better resilience and more success.
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) work is an important part of our commitment to a culture of belonging. To ensure it resonates throughout the organization, we started with a culture squad, a group of employees who give advice and hold us accountable. Together we have come up with the vision, our guiding principles, and key pillars and initiatives for our 2024 roadmap.
<aside> 🔆 DEI is a journey, and one that will never be finished. We all have things to learn, and part of it is making mistakes. We acknowledge that we won’t do everything perfect. But we won’t let this stop us from moving forward, and we hope that together we can make this world a little bit better for everyone!
</aside>
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Ensure DEI is part of the structural foundation of our culture | Consider our work as a box-ticking exercise |
| We listen respectfully to each other and ask questions, with the assumption no one has the intention to offend others | Be a court of morale and judge colleagues with different perspectives |
| Celebrate diversity whilst respecting people’s privacy | Put a person on the spot because of their difference |
| Acknowledge that we are all biased, and that we will make mistakes | Stop learning |
| Use data to track our progress and guide our priorities | Overcompensate in hiring to achieve certain numbers for number’s sake |