At DWF we're incredibly proud of our diverse workforce and we're always looking for ways to improve our inclusive culture.
Mahesh Vara, a Senior Associate and one of our Race & Ethnicity Network leads in Manchester, recently received a suggestion from Zakkia Syed, a new trainee, about support for colleagues during Ramadan.
As a result of this feedback, Mahesh collaborated with Jane Callan, Group Health, Safety & Environmental Manager, to arrange dedicated spaces within our UK offices for prayer, reflection and breaks throughout Ramadan.
This collaboration is a great example of the amazing work being conducted by the DWF Diversity & Inclusion Employee Networks and throughout our business, to continually develop based on feedback received from colleagues through networking, listening sessions, workshops, and surveys.
DWF is committed to improving the representation of ethnic minorities, particularly within senior leadership, as demonstrated by our public D&I targets. Initiatives like this demonstrate our organisational value of Being Better Together as we listen, recognise, and support each other.
Mahesh said: "To be truly inclusive it is important that we continue to encourage our colleagues, in all areas of the business and no matter what their role, to share great ideas like this so that we can continue to consider the needs of our diverse workforce and enable them to deliver their best."
DWF has also shared information on Ramadan support and guidance for colleagues including information on flexible working, blocking our diaries and volunteering opportunities. In addition, the guide includes information for colleagues supporting team members who are fasting, covering being considerate about meetings times, working patterns, and social events, plus allowing time for people to pray and break fast where necessary.