As the workplace expands globally, it’s tempting to assume that our approach to diversity and inclusion should be consistent and therefore uniform. But even the most subtle of cultural differences can have a profound impact on the execution and ultimate success of a global strategy. Awareness of and sensitivity to these differences is vital in addressing the challenges of the labor market and workplace.

In this month’s Thought-Starter section, a D&I practitioner from Spain shares his thoughts on the “cultural challenge” and how invaluable it is for business initiatives to take the cultural context into account with regard to gender diversity.

While the D&I approach may vary considerably from one country to the next, the common goal prevails – creating a fair and equitable environment for men and women.

Best wishes,
Catalyst Europe AG Team

New Catalyst research unlocks the secrets of the workplace

In the first of a two-part study, Catalyst’s Unwritten Rules: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt Your Career report examines the ways in which employees negotiate the maze of so-called unwritten rules – workplace norms and standards – that are not necessarily communicated directly or formally. Often these rules are communicated through informal networks, but previous Catalyst research has shown that a lack of access to these networks is one of the primary barriers to women’s corporate advancement, especially for women of color. A User’s Guide was developed to help facilitate conversation about these unwritten rules with employees, supervisors and work groups/teams and is available for members on Catalyst’s website.

New Catalyst research focuses on global topic with regional lens

On the 25th of June, Catalyst released its Career Advancement in Corporate Canada: A Focus on Visible Minorities ~ Workplace Fit and Stereotyping research report. This most recent report is the fourth in the landmark series and examines crucial aspects of career success, such as how well visible minorities feel they fit into the work environment and how they are perceived by others in the workplace. The findings show that – similar to organizations in other countries – Canadian businesses appear to be suffering from an “imperfect execution” of diversity and inclusion policies, and visible minorities appear to be at a disadvantage in terms of career advancement.

Catalyst Europe at home in global construction industry

D&I practitioners focus on “real-world” action based on research

2nd Catalyst Europe Symposium: Culture and workplace dynamics (London)

Calling all bioscience organizations: Participants wanted for proposal

New Catalyst website: Bursting with information and new thinking

Catalyst Europe welcomes five new interns to team

Global membership: Expanding across borders

Catalyst Europe is pleased that The Coca-Cola Company and Nestlé, Inc. are the latest companies to sign up for Catalyst’s Global Membership package. For more information about the numerous benefits of global membership, feel free to contact us.

Taking culture into consideration

My colleagues around Europe have also been working on this for some time. These efforts have been recently recognized, and two of our European women executives have been selected by an international jury to win the “25 Leading Women of the European Automotive Industry Award” awarded by motoring publication Automotive News Europe. This is another important reflection of our focus to become customer-driven, market-driven, and in full-step with the dynamics of the global business environment.”

Pedro Escudero is Personnel Director at General Motors España, S.L.