Imagine coming to work and not feeling comfortable talking about some aspects of your life, that you would ideally like others to know about.    For example, you might want to share more information about your background, your family heritage, your view of the world, your religion, your sexual orientation, your partner, a disability you might have, and so on.  However, you choose to hold back because you’re worried about how your colleagues or manager might react, or perhaps you feel you’ll be judged in a certain way or it could limit your career opportunities.  Sadly, this is a reality for many people and can negatively impact their wellbeing, productivity and engagement at work. 

We hope that no-one in Victrex ever feels this way.  Yet, at the same time, we don’t want people to feel they have to share information with us.  It’s about choice and knowing that it’s OK to share the things that are important to you, if and when you want to, and that you’ll be listened to and supported along the way.  

Even though we like to believe that we’re inclusive in Victrex, we could probably do more.   So perhaps it’s time to ask ourselves some questions.  For example:

And if we want to share something ourselves, what would give us the confidence to be able to do this?   What will help us to trust in our colleagues and in Victrex?   And how could we help to educate and support colleagues, who may never have shared our experiences, so they have a better understanding? 

Perhaps the key is to focus on building trusting relationships at work, knowing that trust and respect work both ways, so everyone has a part to play in this.   If we’re genuine and authentic, we’ll reveal more of our own ‘whole self’ and encourage others to do the same.  And yes, we may feel a little vulnerable, but that’s OK, as it’s a safe, supportive and inclusive environment - something I hope will always be in place at Victrex. 

Jacq Furness - Head of Learning & Inclusion