Meet our colleagues from the PROUD Network
In 2017 the Deloitte PROUD network, an Employee Resource Group, was established to keep the spotlight on LGBT+ inclusion all year round. Our members routinely organise social and professional events relevant not only to people who identify as LGBT+ but also to allies, so that in the end everyone can be comfortable bringing their authentic self to work. Building an inclusive and open culture where we can all thrive and be our true self remains a top priority at Deloitte, and our PROUD community help to foster an inclusive work environment.
Andrew, our Senior Consultant in Tax and Legal, and Amy, Consultant in Financial Advisory, share their personal perspectives on Pride, inclusive work culture, and what they enjoy with being part of Deloitte's PROUD Network, one of Deloitte’s volunteer-based and employee-led communities. Andrew and Amy emphasize the importance of embracing individuality, supporting others, and creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
What does Pride mean to you personally, and how do you celebrate it?
Andrew: Pride for me is about embracing your individuality and being your authentic self in every facet of life. Celebrating Pride for me isn’t confining it to a single month or event, but rather, celebrating being proud of who you are throughout the year.
Amy: To me it is about always reminding yourself about the uniqueness within the community but also within yourself. I try to find ways to celebrate this by being unapologetically myself, acknowledging how far we’ve come and most importantly being supportive of all.
The main idea I like to keep in mind is to not limit Pride to one specific month but celebrating year-round. In the workplace this translates to always striving to make sure everyone feels safe, respected and valued regardless of identity or belonging.
What does an inclusive work culture mean to you?
Andrew: An inclusive work culture for me fundamentally means an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to the table. Moreover, an inclusive work culture fosters a sense of belonging, in which diverse perspectives are not just welcome, but are actively sought out and integrated into the decision-making process.
At Deloitte, this inclusive work culture is really felt where my colleagues from various backgrounds like educational and cultural, collaborate seamlessly, where mutual respect is the norm, and the opportunities for growth are accessible to all.
Amy: An inclusive work culture in my view is an environment where the employees feel uplifted by their colleagues and their surroundings. This is something that I have experienced since starting at Deloitte, the firm truly celebrating and bringing people from the community forward.
The highly active employee networks, our Employee Resource Groups, and effort put into the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, such as Pride month, demonstrate Deloitte’s awareness.
Before joining Deloitte, researching the firm’s public image, culture and values had a large impact on finding the right company for me. Seeing the strong communication concerning the vote in support of marriage for all perfectly illustrated how the firm strives to promote this sense of inclusion.
What has been one of the best things about being a part of Deloitte’s PROUD network?
Andrew: One of the best things about being a part of this network is the sense of belonging and support it fosters. It is very empowering to be a part of a community where everyone celebrates their diversity and advocates for inclusion. The social events are a fun and a great way to expand your social network including the Deloitte PROUD drinks !
Amy: The most memorable event that I had the opportunity to organise within Deloitte’s PROUD network was without a doubt last summer’s Geneva Pride. This was the first time Deloitte was represented at the Geneva Pride march and it was truly heartwarming seeing the extension of the network along with the collaboration within the team leading up to the march.
Seeing so many like-minded people and clients, having a sense of community, coming together and connecting outside of the firm is a memory I’ll cherish. It showed the importance of having a company that champions their employees who can feel their authentic selves at work.
At Deloitte, we want everyone to feel they can be their best self and to thrive at work - in every team, in everything we do, every day. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop and grow, regardless of their background or level within the organisation. That's why we offer a wide range of initiatives and developmental programs designed to support our people at every stage of their careers. When joining Deloitte we encourage you to explore your purpose and are committed to empowering our people to reach their full potential and achieve their career goals. We know this vision can only be achieved by providing a workplace culture that is always inclusive, underpinned by respect and appreciation for diversity in all its forms.
Find out more about our career opportunities here.