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A Celebration of Diversity: National Grid's ONE Wins Top Network Group Award
In a year marked by unique challenges, National Grid’s employee resource group, known as ONE, has proven that commitment to diversity and inclusion can truly shine through adversity. Named the Top Network Group at the 2020 Ethnicity Awards, ONE has made impressive strides in promoting equal opportunity and advocating for ethnic minorities within the workplace.
Empowering Voices Across the Workforce
The ONE group at National Grid isn’t just a network; it’s a community striving to amplify the voices of its racially and ethnically diverse members. As the co-Chair Latisha Mckenzie emphasizes, the hard work of volunteer committee members is vital. Their dedication has fostered important conversations around race, allyship, and microaggressions in the workplace.
Notably, ONE has been instrumental in introducing mandatory Unconscious Bias training and e-learning on Diversity & Inclusion throughout the company, ensuring all employees partake in the dialogues that lead to understanding and respect.
Celebrating Cultural Richness
ONE also serves as a bridge between different cultures, organizing events to celebrate significant occasions such as Black History Month, Diwali, and Gurpurab. These celebrations don’t just highlight individual cultures; they bring together employees from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Employees like Amardeep Malhi, Project Engineer and co-Chair of ONE, recognize the importance of these efforts. Reflecting on the group’s success, he stated, "Receiving external recognition against some of the largest organizations in the country... reflects our commitment to continue taking steps in the right direction.”
Future-Focused Initiatives
This commitment is not only about current achievements but also about building a more inclusive future. The success of ONE can be partly attributed to remarkable outreach initiatives aimed at engaging young people through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs, such as Your Future, Your Ambition (YFYA), which helps create connections and attract diverse talent to the business.
The group's proactive approach to community engagement ensures that National Grid’s workforce stays true to the diverse populations it serves.
The Impact of Commitment to Diversity
As the company continues to embrace these values, it also recognizes the importance of looking inward. Lisa Waterhouse, UK Diversity and Inclusion Manager, highlights their ongoing aim: “Our goal is to create a culture that celebrates differences across race, gender, age, and more.” Such aspirations reveal the company’s determination to remain an employer of choice for ethnic minority talent.
Being recognized as a Top Network Group is just the start for ONE and National Grid. The accolades received are not only a reflection of past successes but a motivator for ongoing efforts to make workplaces more inclusive and equitable.
A Bright Future Ahead
With over 500 members growing the network even during challenging moments, it's clear that ONE has become an integral part of National Grid. As organizations worldwide continue to struggle with issues of diversity and inclusion, the dedication shown by ONE may inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
As we look forward, it’s evident that National Grid is not just setting standards in the energy sector; its commitment to diversity and cultural understanding is a blueprint for other organizations aiming for meaningful change.
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