As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be celebrating in various ways. Bethany is a faith-based organization that practices multi-faithfulness and celebrates diversity through our workforce, residents and the families we serve. Recognizing our differences through caring and inclusion goes a long way in creating caring communities.
Embracing our differences, versus fearing them, is a key step in being respectful towards others. Being fearful of what makes us different from each other can create tension and contribute to an unhealthy work environment. We all have a responsibility to ensure that everyone feels safe, included, and welcomed here at Bethany.
How can we understand why people express such views?
Consider this:
- Perhaps they are unfamiliar with a particular nationality.
- They haven’t been exposed to diverse cultures, perspectives, and traditions.
- Maybe they had a bad experience with someone from a certain culture or country.
- They believe in negative stereotypes.
- They feel threatened by or fearful for numerous reasons.
Fearing our differences is also referred to as Xenophobia which is:
- The fear or hatred of anyone who is different.
- Originating from a dislike or discrimination against people from other countries.
What can we do to embrace the differences of others in our workplace?
- Be an ally and challenge inappropriate or generalized comments with questions such as, ‘What do you mean by that?’ or ‘Why do you say that?’
- Provide positive affirmations, recognition, and celebrate differences in our workplace.
- Get to know the holidays and traditions of your colleagues.
- Challenge your own stereotypes.
- Set an example by accepting and being welcoming of others.
Each of us has a responsibility for creating a workplace that acknowledges and embraces our differences. Remember, “it is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences.”
Audre LordeFor more information, please contact:
Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com
Or
Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative
ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES
Article – Unpacking Xenophobia
Leading Effectively – The Power of Respect
Bethany’s Respectful Workplace PolicyLifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.
Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:
- LifeWorks Blog
- Webinars and Events
- 24/7 Specialist Counselling
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel
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