Your Voice: Creating inclusive workplaces, finding peace in reality TV (long letters)

I am writing to express my opinions on incorporating diversity into the workplace, cultivating empathy in our society and more. The importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace cannot be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving world. As we move towards a more connected global community through the development of the internet, businesses must recognise the need for diversity and strive to create inclusive environments where everyone feels welcomed and respected.

First and foremost, empathy in the workplace isn’t just a box to tick – it is the right way to treat everyone. We should strive to be more open-minded, seeing things through each employee’s unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. By utilising a more diverse workforce, organisations can tap into a wealth of creativity, innovation and fresh ideas to drive success.

However, achieving true diversity and inclusion takes work. It requires us to confront our biases and break down barriers between individuals with different backgrounds. Reaching this goal involves creating a flexible culture where everyone feels supported and valued. So, how can we accomplish this?

Recruitment plays a crucial role in building a diverse workforce. Companies should actively seek out talented workers from all walks of life, ensuring their hiring processes are fair and inclusive. By providing equal opportunities for all candidates, we can enrich our teams and reflect our diverse world. A clear understanding of why we want to achieve diversity in the workplace is paramount.

The importance of diversity and decoding the empathy gap

Beyond recruitment, businesses should strive to embed empathy into every aspect of employees’ experiences. For example, offering training, mentorship and support programmes can create a workplace where everyone can flourish and thrive.

Additionally, empathy shouldn’t be a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to growth. Companies should regularly evaluate their actions, seek employee feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure everyone feels valued.

We can challenge and combat stereotypes by having open conversations about equity, raising awareness and inspiring positive change in our society.

Lastly, diversity and inclusion are moral and business imperatives in today’s competitive landscape.

Regardless of race, gender, or age, organisations prioritising diversity and inclusion are better positioned to attract top talent, drive innovation, and ultimately succeed in the long run.

Let’s work together to create workplaces that empower everyone to shine. By building cultures of diversity and inclusion, we can make a brighter future and a more welcoming workplace for all.

Adrienne Fung, Milton Academy (USA)

I wish I could say that I’m the kind of person who constantly dedicates themselves to learning more. Unfortunately, I don’t usually gravitate towards thick nonfiction tomes or deep-dive documentaries when my homework is done and I finally have time to rest.

Instead, I often open my laptop and put on The Great British Bake Off, enraptured by episodes of kind contestants, pastel colours and baked goods.

The show has flaws, of course, as everything else does. For instance, the “cultural week” theme that occasionally comes on has received negative feedback. But it is also undeniably wholesome. It doesn’t chase drama or conflict; there are no toxic arguments. Simple and sweet, it is precisely the kind of media I want to consume when I am stressed.

Reality competition shows are not all bad

Some people may see this genre of entertainment as useless or unproductive, but I see as much value in relaxation and solace as in ambition and exertion. Why else would we enjoy bossa nova music? Why else would books like Before the Coffee Gets Cold or movies like Howl’s Moving Castle become popular?

After all, we look for comfort shows and reads for a reason. When things get hard, it is only natural to desire some form of security blanket to make us feel safe and sheltered from everything that scares us.

Ultimately, this kind of media is oddly freeing. When I’m watching The Great British Bake Off, it is a temporary escape. I am aware that, eventually, I will have to get up and face the world again.

But at the moment, as I watch people whisk batter and caramelise sugar, I can freely recharge for what’s to come. The Great British Bake Off might not be doing much to make me smarter, but it certainly helps me maintain my peace.