In 2002, the UN General Assembly declared 21st May to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The day provides an opportunity to deepen understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance certain goals, such as promoting artistic freedoms and protecting human rights.

We talk a lot about our culture here at Jackson Lees Group.

Our culture is integral to who we are and features in everything we do. Our ethos is to “make a positive difference.” This really is central to our culture; many of us live and breathe it in varying measures. Independently however, each team and person is distinctive.

So, what is culture?

It’s hard to define really, it can mean different things to various people. It encompasses traditions and norms in communities, beliefs, customs, behaviours and even arts. I like to think of culture as a way of life which is unique to each individual; my culture may be similar to the next person yet dissimilar in many ways. That is what makes the culture at Jackson Lees Group so fabulous. Individually, we are so diverse. When we are pulled together, we are one and the same.

I feel incredibly lucky to work for a business that celebrates everyone’s backgrounds, quirks and lifestyles. As head of the Diversity Committee, I am proud that we are committed to making Jackson Lees Group a more inclusive and accepting place. Earlier this year, the Committee held our first ever “Culture Week” to recognise and celebrate the diversity within the business and beyond. We arranged a variety of events throughout the week; from hosting Rachel Boyle who addressed the issue of white privilege, to our very own Alina Burwitz who discussed LGBTQ+ identities. Being so exposed about our backgrounds will not only start some “taboo” conversations, but I hope it will eventually bring us closer together as our minds are opened following such exchanges.  

I strongly believe that diversity breeds creativity. The Diversity Committee will continue to push for a more culturally diverse environment for our people and clients to make us the best that we can possibly be. So, today on the World Day for Cultural Diversity, celebrate your culture and those around you – start some conversations as you never know what you may learn!