Sharon Doyle
Head of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Bord na Móna
Any organisation dedicated to wellbeing has to do more than provide good facilities. It must build an environment where opportunities are equal and where difference is not just respected — it’s celebrated.
Building an equitable and open-minded environment means weaving in diversity and inclusion policies to attract and retain staff. “The social environment in Ireland has become very diverse in the last 10 years,” says Sharon Doyle. “We don’t want to be left behind, so we have to make sure that we grow our business around that diversity.”
Bord na Móna has been successful at this and was accredited with the Silver Award by the Irish Centre for Diversity (ICFD) — Ireland’s only equality, diversity and inclusion mark for business. It’s now working towards achieving the Gold standard in the next 18 months.
We don’t want to be left behind, so we have to make
sure that we grow our business around that diversity.
Having open discussions and practising inclusion
As part of its diversity, inclusion and equality activities, the company invites guest speakers to talk openly about difficult issues that staff members may experience. “They discuss everything from disability in the workplace to challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community,” says Doyle.
“For International Men’s Day, footballer Richard Sadlier talked about the effects of sexual abuse, alcohol and substance abuse on mental health. For International Women’s Day, business woman Norah Casey shared her story as a survivor of domestic violence.”
Plus, the organisation has launched its first female mentoring programme, called Positive Impact, which provides each female member of staff with the opportunity to receive long-standing and of committed support from other female colleagues in a one-to-one environment.
“Joanne O’Riordan joined us in Newbridge to share her truly inspirational story in celebration of International Day of Disabled Persons and in support of our commitment to diversity and Inclusion,” says Doyle.
Creating a work environment fit for modern society
Bord na Móna stands committed to cultivating an equitable and diverse workplace, recognising the evolving social landscape in Ireland. By actively promoting an inclusive environment that equally values each employee’s unique experiences, organisations can ensure they are aligned with the dynamic nature of today’s society.