Back
Posted on: 29 February 2024
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, we are reminded of this year's chosen theme: "Inspire Inclusion." It serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of diversity and empowerment within our organisation and beyond. But what does it mean to inspire inclusion? To us this year's theme underscores the pivotal role of inclusion in achieving gender equality, encouraging us to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and cultivate environments where all women are valued and respected.
To mark this year's theme, we are proud to highlight the diverse voices and perspectives of our people. Our Alchemists share valuable insights on how Alchemy cultivates an inclusive workplace culture, highlighting the significance of representation, and working towards breaking down barriers for women in tech.
Explore the perspectives of our people below:
Amy Lowry, Technical Analyst
1. How does Alchemy break barriers for underrepresented groups in technology and insurance?
Alchemy's transparent culture, fair pay structures, and mentorship programme, help foster both professional and personal growth in an inclusive environment. Paired with mentors who are more advanced in their careers, individuals are encouraged to embrace their uniqueness and are provided with a supportive space where they can thrive in their professional journey.
Engaging in industry events, such as Women in Tech, not only contributes to a sense of empowerment but also has a significant impact on my role, creating a strong sense of belonging in the industry and opening valuable networking opportunities.
Engaging in industry events, such as Women in Tech, not only contributes to a sense of empowerment but also has a significant impact on my role, creating a strong sense of belonging in the industry and opening valuable networking opportunities.
2. How do you and other individuals within Alchemy contribute to inclusivity, by considering the initiatives currently in place?
At Alchemy, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment through various programmes, both internally and in the broader community. One of our partnerships with Generation Innovation focuses on introducing young people to tech careers, particularly in schools with all-female students. Through our partnerships, I am personally motivated to connect with students, understand their viewpoints, and help break down barriers for women pursuing IT careers. This is essential for cultivating upcoming talent and promoting diversity within both Alchemy and the Insurtech industry.
3. Why is representation important in our organisation - and how do personal experiences and backgrounds enrich our organisational culture and drive innovation?
To drive innovation and personal growth, it is important to create an environment that values, respects, and empowers every member of the team. Alchemy fosters this by promoting diversity through various groups, including Alchemy Women's, Men's, LGBTQ+ Community and Allies groups, which encourage education, awareness, and the sharing of ideas. Having dedicated spaces and forums for all members to be represented and contribute ideas is essential to ensure diverse perspectives are heard and valued.
4. If you were to advise individuals starting their careers now about gender equality and inclusivity in the context of our organisation and industry, what would you tell them?
Since joining Alchemy my colleagues and the leadership team have valued my opinion, provided support, and empowered me to excel in my career, without regard to gender. In the broader industry, progress has been made towards achieving gender diversity and equality, but there is still work to be done. I'd advise those to acknowledge the challenges women face so we can create a truly equitable and inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and reach their full potential.
Ryan Roberts, Technical Analyst
1. How does Alchemy create a workplace embodying and inspiring inclusion?
I've always felt Alchemy has been a welcoming and inclusive work environment. Recently, as part of the Alchemy LGBTQ+ Community and Allies, we organised a talk on 'Embracing Inclusive Language' by The Rainbow Project, which provided valuable insights on using inclusive language and pronouns, serving as an educational tool for promoting inclusivity within our team. This focus on inclusion also translates into our open communication during forums like All-Hands and Town Halls, where we engage in open and honest discussions and make a conscious effort to celebrate the achievements of every team member.
2. How do you and other individuals within Alchemy contribute to inclusivity, by considering the initiatives currently in place?
I and other members of Alchemy contribute to the overall inclusivity of the company by supporting initiatives organised by Alchemy and by employee-led groups within the company. For example, running the Belfast marathon for Pride as part of the diversity and inclusion group, and also the Alchemy book club have decided to put a LGBTQ+ authored Pride Book as the focus for one of our upcoming meetups. By promoting inclusive behaviours, we actively seek to understand other people's perspectives and be open to different experiences or viewpoints. In my opinion, this is vital to actively support and advocate for underrepresented groups within our organisation. Working together, we can educate ourselves and others on issues surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion to take steps towards breaking down barriers and fostering real inclusion.
3. Why is representation important in our organisation - and how do personal experiences and backgrounds enrich our organisational culture and drive innovation?
Having a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our customers and clients is essential in navigating the global insurance market, representation allows us to enhance our service and build stronger connections with our clients. Embracing diversity as a strength means that collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds can lead to innovative solutions and fresh perspectives. assumptions and think outside of the box, which is what we are all about at Alchemy.
4. To enhance the creation of a workplace embodying true gender equality, what steps can our organisation take?
Alchemy actively promotes transparency in our promotions and salaries, ensuring there is no gender pay gap. To further advocate for gender equality, we can implement blind recruitment practices to reduce unconscious bias in hiring and use gender-neutral language in our communications. In a male-dominated industry, proactive measures like mentorship programmes and development opportunities, such as our Mentoring groups and bespoke Mini MBA programme at Alchemy, are essential. These initiatives are crafted to establish clear goals that pave the way for success for all our employees.
Siobhan McCafferty, HR Advisor
1. How does Alchemy break barriers for underrepresented groups in technology and insurance?
At Alchemy, we are dedicated to ensuring fair compensation and advancement opportunities for every member of our team. By actively challenging stereotypes and fostering a culture that not only embraces but celebrates diversity, we empower all employees in the workplace. Education and awareness play a key role in promoting inclusivity within Alchemy, as we are committed to supporting our employees in reaching their full potential through comprehensive training and resources. Our promotion process is transparent and inclusive, ensuring that all employees can advance without any barriers.
2. Why is representation important in our organisation - and how do personal experiences and backgrounds enrich our organisational culture and drive innovation?
Representation is not just important, it's crucial. Embracing a variety of perspectives, insights, and solutions based on personal experiences is essential for creating an inclusive culture. From my own journey as a mother, I bring a unique viewpoint that has taught me valuable lessons in empathy, patience, and resilience. These qualities allow me to build connections with my colleagues and contribute to a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
3. What effective strategies does our organisation employ to attract and retain diverse talent in the industry?
From the start, our recruitment efforts actively place high priority on attracting women to the tech industry, Our approach includes partnering with local universities and engaging with female students to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available in IT. Highlighting this variety is essential in demonstrating the breadth of a career in tech. I believe in starting this initiative from primary and secondary education levels, and collaborating with Generation Innovation offers us a platform to reach this objective. Education and upskilling can enhance opportunities for all our people to progress at work, the likes of our Mini MBA programme aim to provide comprehensive support for our people as they advance in their careers. Something our people look forward to is the annual Women in Tech conference, aligning closely with our mission to support women in building successful careers at Alchemy.
4. To enhance the creation of a workplace embodying true gender equality, what steps can our organisation take?
Some practical steps we can take as an organisation to advance genuine gender equality within Alchemy include crafting a work environment that caters to the diverse needs of our team members. Providing ongoing training to address unconscious bias is crucial to ensuring that everyone feels included. By actively listening to our employees, implementing effective feedback mechanisms, and promoting a healthy work-life balance to support them in managing both professional and personal responsibilities, we can cultivate a workplace where all individuals feel valued and respected.
Richard Gelson, Test Manager
1. How does Alchemy create a workplace embodying and inspiring inclusion?
I believe at Alchemy, fostering an inclusive workplace is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to inclusion is marked in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and implemented by our Diversity Champions. We prioritise diversity in hiring, encourage open dialogue, and provide training on inclusive practices. By embracing differences and removing barriers, we inspire everyone to contribute their unique perspectives and talents, helping to promote equal access to career opportunities and progression.
2. Why is representation important in our organisation - and how do personal experiences and backgrounds enrich our organisational culture and drive innovation?
Representation is essential because it ensures that our organisation reflects the diversity of the world around us. When we embrace a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, we unlock creativity and drive innovation. We see in practice that diversity fuels problem-solving and fosters a culture of collaboration, which we believe is our “secret sauce” here at Alchemy. By valuing personal experiences and backgrounds, we cultivate an environment where individuals feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, ultimately leading to a greater sense of fulfilment and value.
3. If you were to advise individuals starting their careers now about gender equality and inclusivity in the context of our organisation and industry, what would you tell them?
For those just starting out in their careers, it is crucial to champion gender equality and inclusivity right from the beginning. The tech industry is deeply affected by gender disparities, and Alchemy is no exception. It is essential that we work towards a more balanced and diverse workforce by actively encouraging more women to join the industry. Through our efforts to engage with schools and universities, we aim to educate young women about the exciting opportunities available in tech. Additionally, we are fortunate to have inspiring female role models within Alchemy who guide us in overcoming biases and supporting our female colleagues.
4. To enhance the creation of a workplace embodying true gender equality, what steps can our organisation take?
As we strive to enhance a workplace that truly embodies gender equality, it is necessary to provide the right resources and opportunities that our people need. Embracing inclusivity means recognising the unique circumstances of each person and the varied resources and opportunities needed to attain equitable outcomes. By implementing initiatives such as our hybrid work model and phased maternity leave return policies, we can acknowledge these distinctions and empower women with the chance to progress in their professional journeys.
Joshua Hetherington, Technical Analyst
1. How does Alchemy break barriers for underrepresented groups in technology and insurance?
Alchemy offers a levelled playing field for employees' growth, pairing each individual with a mentor dedicated to their success. The clear and transparent compensation structure ensures equal access to opportunities, where merit and achievements are the only factors considered. Your potential at Alchemy is limitless, and entirely based upon your own ambition, independent of your background or personal situation.
2. Why is representation important in our organisation - and how do personal experiences and backgrounds enrich our organisational culture and drive innovation?
By having a diverse representation within Alchemy, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge and creativity that comes from individuals with unique personal experiences and backgrounds. This diversity allows us to approach challenges and opportunities from different angles, sparking innovation and driving progress. Everyone brings their own perspective to the table, enriching our organisational culture and fostering a collaborative environment where new ideas can flourish. Ultimately, this diversity not only benefits the personal growth and development of each team member but also contributes to the overall success and growth of our company. Our differences truly make us stronger and more resilient as we strive towards our shared goals and objectives.
3. If you were to advise individuals starting their careers now about gender equality and inclusivity in the context of our organisation and industry, what would you tell them?
Embracing diversity as a strength means that collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds can lead to innovative solutions and fresh perspectives, challenging assumptions and thinking outside of the box, which is what we are all about at Alchemy.
As we conclude our thoughts, let us think of a world where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality. Picture a world where every individual, regardless of gender, is empowered to reach their full potential. A world where diversity is embraced as a strength, and inclusivity is woven into the fabric of society. Let's #InspireInclusion in every aspect of our lives and work, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.