Race Equality Week (5-11 February) is an annual UK-wide movement that unites hundreds of thousands of organisations and individuals to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace.
This year’s theme is #ListenActChange.
As a Contract Research Organisation (CRO), and a specialist in optimised patient recruitment, we prioritise diversity in our clinical trial participant pools with a proven background in ensuring that, wherever possible, clinical research is available to all.
Recently we have also focused on building our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, which has included a refresh of how we ensure Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) within our organisation.
For us, race equality is important as it contributes to a fair, inclusive, and thriving work environment.
Our Head of Human Resources, Kate Phillips, explains:
“Race equality is crucial for fostering a workplace that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and provides equal opportunities for all employees. It not only aligns with legal and ethical considerations but also contributes to organisational success and sustainability. As we celebrate Race Equality Week, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where every voice and perspective is respected.”
A diverse workforce brings together individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, which can enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. We understand that our employees want to work in environments where they feel respected, valued, and included. A commitment to race equality can help retain talented individuals from various racial backgrounds.
We also believe that a diverse workforce contributes to better decision-making processes; different perspectives and experiences lead to a more comprehensive analysis of issues, helping us make more informed and well-rounded decisions.
There is a well-known link between diversity and employee morale: when employees perceive that their organisation values and respects diversity, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated. A positive workplace culture that promotes equality can boost employee morale and satisfaction, and that is very important to us at MAC. We find that addressing issues related to race discrimination or bias can lead to a healthier organisational culture and, consequently, lower turnover rates. This positive environment can reduce stress and enhance mental health, creating a more productive and supportive workplace.
The industry in which we work is ever evolving and fast-moving. A diverse workforce is often more innovative and creative, with different perspectives encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, leading to the development of unique solutions and approaches.
At MAC, we embrace our differences. We seek to understand, support, and value each other’s cultural practices. We ensure race equality from the very start of an employee’s journey with MAC, with clear and non-discriminatory recruitment practices and robust two-way communication methods. Our DEI statement (see below) encapsulates our commitment, and we couple this for our employees with clear goals to ensure a working environment that does not discriminate, the employment of a truly representative workforce, and a workplace free of bullying, harassment, and victimisation.
Read about our CSR initiative and commitments here.
