Brave Starts’ Post

Last night I attended an event called 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗶𝘀𝗺 at The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce). As the number of people of working age in the UK falls, it's imperative that new ways to hire and retain people over the age of 45 are found. This isn't singularly an issue of economic recovery; there is plenty of data to attest that as people live longer, they want to remain mentally and physically active. And that it benefits their long-term health to do so. Unfortunately, rising numbers of older people - who will of course have accrued a wealth of experience and knowledge that doesn't fit into the binary way recruitment algorithms match CVs to job descriptions - are locked out of opportunity, due to outdated, ineffective hiring processes. It was illuminating then, to listen to some of the most recent findings of the OECD, followed by a panel discussion involving Lucy Standing CPsychol, AFBPS, CPBP, MSc, BSc, Simon Fanshawe, Roisin Mackenzie, Shruti Singh and Mike Mansfield. While there are many, many issues to be addressed, employers that exclude older people from their strategic workforce planning activities are, quite simply, missing a trick. The wisdom, calmness and perspective that comes with age isn't to be underestimated. I for one will continue to follow this topic closely. It's hugely important. And full creds to others I know who are doing brilliant work in this area, including Mark Elliott FRSA, Victoria Tomlinson FRSA & Ian Stobie FRSA (I thought I'd taken more photos, but apparently not. It must be my age 😅 ) #futureofwork #inclusion #ageism #strategicworkforceplanning #businesstransformation

Is ageism a thing? Well, yes. Does it have to stop you? No. For context, I conduct over 200 consulting calls with executives each month. I am asked about ageism on about 7 of 10 calls. Here are some tremendous strategies and tips on how to tackle the issue. #ageism #interviewing #hiring #over40

The Sinneave Family Foundation, together with Social Research and Demonstration Corporation are seeking employers across Canada to participate in a brief survey (15 questions) on inclusive employment practices. We want to hear from you! 📣 Regardless of your experience with neuroinclusion in the workplace--a little or a lot--the project team wants to: ➡️ Learn about and highlight your innovative practices in embracing neurodiversity at work, and ➡️ understand the areas where you may be looking for additional support. The results of this survey will help to inform additional work to be done in the area of neuroinclusive employment in Canada. Please take a few moments to participate in the survey and add your voice and professional experience to the growing body of evidence that supports neuroinclusive best practices in workplaces that thrive. https://lnkd.in/gbMSzPT6 What is the Neuroinclusive Employment Project? In partnership with the Sinneave Family Foundation, the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is conducting research to explore how employers can create more neuroinclusive workplaces. The research aims to identify evidence-based practices and real-world examples that help employers support neurodivergent people and people living with disabilities to uncover opportunities to further improve workplace inclusion. 👏 #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #NeuroinclusionInTheWorkplace #NeurodiversityAtWork #InclusiveBestPractices #InclusionMatters #SRDC #NeuroinclusiveEmploymentSurvey #NeuroinclusiveEmploymentProject

Are you an employer? We want to hear from you! 📣 ✍️ Employers across the country are invited to participate in a brief survey (15 questions) on inclusive employment practices. Regardless of your experience with neuroinclusion in the workplace--a little or a lot--the project team wants to: ➡️ Learn about and highlight your innovative practices in embracing neurodiversity at work, and ➡️ understand the areas where you may be looking for additional support. The results of this survey will help to inform additional work to be done in the area of neuroinclusive employment in Canada. Please take a few moments to participate in the survey and add your voice and professional experience to the growing body of evidence that supports neuroinclusive best practices in workplaces that thrive. https://lnkd.in/gbMSzPT6 What is the Neuroinclusive Employment Project? In partnership with the Sinneave Family Foundation, the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is conducting research to explore how employers can create more neuroinclusive workplaces. The research aims to identify evidence-based practices and real-world examples that help employers support neurodivergent people and people living with disabilities to uncover opportunities to further improve workplace inclusion. 👏 #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #NeuroinclusionInTheWorkplace #NeurodiversityAtWork #InclusiveBestPractices #InclusionMatters #SRDC #NeuroinclusiveEmploymentSurvey #NeuroinclusiveEmploymentProject

Join the 2024 National Summit on Episodic Disabilities and Employment – Moving from Knowledge to Action! 📅 DATES: March 20th & 21st, 2024 🕒 TIMES: 12pm – 3:30pm (Eastern Time) each day PLACE: Virtual meeting on Zoom REGISTRATION: https://lnkd.in/gcpbtT8n It's free! Secure your spot today! Eight weeks to go, and spaces are filling up fast! This year's Summit theme is "Moving from Knowledge to Action." It's the perfect opportunity for business leaders, managers, HR professionals, individuals with episodic disabilities, and more to bridge the gap between valuable research and actionable workplace solutions. 🌈 What to expect: Insights that catalyze workplace change Best practices sharing Key research highlights ✨ Why should you join? Discover how your learnings can pave the way for a more inclusive and accommodating work environment. Supporting individuals with episodic disabilities not only benefits them but also enhances workplaces and empowers employers. 🔍 Did you know? Last year's Summit, themed "Centering Mental Health at Work," drew a diverse audience of over 500 participants from every corner of Canada. Human resource professionals, business owners, civil servants, leaders from the non-profit and educational sectors, and individuals with lived experiences all came together. Don't miss out on this year's enriching experience! Register now and be part of the positive change! #EpisodicDisabilitiesSummit #InclusionInAction #WorkplaceWellness #KnowledgeToAction

Join the 2024 National Summit on Episodic Disabilities and Employment – Moving from Knowledge to Action! 📅 DATES: March 20th & 21st, 2024 🕒 TIMES: 12pm – 3:30pm (Eastern Time) each day PLACE: Virtual meeting on Zoom REGISTRATION: https://lnkd.in/gcpbtT8n It's free! Secure your spot today! Eight weeks to go, and spaces are filling up fast! This year's Summit theme is "Moving from Knowledge to Action." It's the perfect opportunity for business leaders, managers, HR professionals, individuals with episodic disabilities, and more to bridge the gap between valuable research and actionable workplace solutions. 🌈 What to expect: Insights that catalyze workplace change Best practices sharing Key research highlights ✨ Why should you join? Discover how your learnings can pave the way for a more inclusive and accommodating work environment. Supporting individuals with episodic disabilities not only benefits them but also enhances workplaces and empowers employers. 🔍 Did you know? Last year's Summit, themed "Centering Mental Health at Work," drew a diverse audience of over 500 participants from every corner of Canada. Human resource professionals, business owners, civil servants, leaders from the non-profit and educational sectors, and individuals with lived experiences all came together. Don't miss out on this year's enriching experience! Register now and be part of the positive change! #EpisodicDisabilitiesSummit #InclusionInAction #WorkplaceWellness #KnowledgeToAction

Today is International Men’s Day. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the complex realities of being a man in today’s world – both the privileges and the challenges. There’s no denying that men, particularly white men, hold significant privilege in life and in the workplace. From career advancement to societal expectations, these advantages are often baked into the systems we operate in. Recognising this privilege is important for achieving fairness and equity, especially in professional spaces. But today is also about acknowledging some of the serious issues that disproportionately affect men. Mental health remains a significant challenge. Men are far less likely to seek support for mental health struggles, and suicide rates among men are alarmingly high – particularly among those aged 40-49 in the UK. The pressure to always “be strong” and “have it together” can weigh heavily, making open conversations about vulnerability vital. As we work toward equality, let’s not overlook the importance of creating spaces where men feel safe to express emotion, seek help, and challenge outdated stereotypes. These efforts are critical, not just for men but for building healthier, more balanced workplaces and communities for everyone. To all the men in my network – let’s take this day to celebrate progress, confront challenges, and continue showing up for one another. #InternationalMensDay #MentalHealthMatters #EquityInTheWorkplace

Neurodivergent people living in Canada continue to face barriers in all stages of employment – from recruitment and hiring, to career development and promotion. While a growing number of employers are eager to be more neuroinclusive, they might not know where to begin. This #DisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth (#DEAM) – in partnership with the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation – we’re sharing insights from our Neuroinclusive Employment Project on what practical steps employers can take to support inclusion and neuroinclusion. These actions, grounded in workplace studies and promising practices, can help build a more inclusive environment and support employees throughout their journey with your organization. Start Here 👉 Check out our latest Blog Post ✍️ highlighting why building a strong foundation is so important and steps organizations—at all levels, from leaders to managers, direct supervisors and frontline employees—can take to move from intention to action. Read "Starting with a Strong Foundation for Neuroinclusion" 🧱 here: https://lnkd.in/ghhfNdGr In partnership with the The Sinneave Family Foundation , the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation is conducting research to explore how employers can create more neuroinclusive workplaces. The research aims to identify evidence-based practices and real-world examples that help employers support neurodivergent people and people living with disabilities to uncover opportunities to further improve workplace inclusion. You can read the summary in its entirety here: https://lnkd.in/gjkSaJnx #BuildingAStrongFoundation #NeuroinclusionInTheWorkplace #NeurodiversityAtWork #InclusiveEmployers #InclusionMatters #StartHere

Dive into inclusion, your guide to dyslexia-Inclusive workplaces! 📝🧠 Join Succeed With Dyslexia for a transformative session. Discover practical strategies for recognising dyslexia, supporting colleagues, and fostering inclusivity. Register FREE now!

🤔I was struck by how little coverage International Men’s Day received. At Distinctly, we took the opportunity to shine a light on the contributions of the men in our team. 🤩 And Tristan, one of our MHFAs, organised a “walk and talk” for the men on the team (in the rain) - an opportunity to connect and support one another. Why does this matter? Because the numbers sadly speak for themselves... 👤 12.5% of men in England have a mental health disorder. 👤 Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. 👤 20% of single men report having no close friends International Men’s Day isn’t about competition or comparison with other awareness days. It’s about celebrating positive male role models and raising awareness of the issues men face - issues like mental health, isolation and stigma. Workplaces are an important environment to make a difference. Small actions, like starting conversations, offering support, or simply acknowledging the day, can have a huge impact. Celebrating men doesn’t negate the struggles faced by women. Rather, it emphasises how we can work together to build a more equitable society for everyone. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges men face, we foster environments where everyone feels supported, valued and equipped to contribute to meaningful change. 💚💚💚