It is well known that organisations that invest in diversity report seeing a number of advantages, such as an increased ability to attract talent, an influx of different perspectives, greater innovation, and improved financial performance.
But why is Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) important to us at Quick Release?
At QR, we are devoted to ensuring that for every QRian, there is a sense of belonging and importance at work – empowering us to thrive with a motivated and inspired team. Believing that every voice is heard and every idea is valued is core to who we are at QR. We strive to continue to review and regenerate our processes to ensure we provide equal opportunities for all, have a broad level of representation, and have an solidify ourselves as an inclusive company.
inQREDIble has been set up to monitor our performance, implement strategy, and to drive activity that actively sets us out a company that prioritises EDI.
As business leaders it is our duty to champion diversity, bringing people closer together. It doesn't just benefit society, it is a strategic advantage; the more diverse the perspectives, values, talents, discussions and thinking the more creative and adaptable we are, which enables us to meet our customer's needs more holistically. One of QR's four core culture values is QRiosity; there is so much to learn from each other. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, working hard to make everyone feel cherished and supported, enabling them to create value by freely expressing the very best of their unique selves. It is through initiatives like these that we show Quick Release's full embracement of ED&I and our commitment to fold it into the fabric of our company.
Click on the below team members to learn their motivation...
I am extremely proud to be the board member championing the D&I activity within QR. I have seen, first hand, the growth and development of the company from a small entity of analysts through to the size we are today. One of the things that really strikes me is the opportunity I have had to meet and work with some incredible people of different cultural backgrounds, religions, beliefs and experiences, all who have come together to make QR who and what it is today.
I believe strongly that culturally we are a naturally accepting and inclusive company but that is not enough on its own to keep improving as an organisation. The work that the team are doing will not only help us to understand where we are strong and areas for improvement but also to continue to foster the safe environment we have today for everyone to be themselves without fear of judgement or bias from their colleagues.
We are now truly global, operating in multiple cultures; by ensuring our organisation is equally as diverse and inclusive, if not ahead of the industry standards, will only increase our chance of success.
#weareqr
I joined QR_ after working for an organisation that is typically full of middle-aged white males, where I worked in a team that was deliberately diverse. Not just in terms of gender or race (40% of the team were female, another 40% were ethnic minorities and 60% were from outside of the local area and relocated to work there) but also the diversity of thought they brought with their backgrounds. I believe diverse teams and organisations result in such a variety of input and thinking which can ultimately lead to huge benefits - not only for the organisation but also for the wider community. People that feel like they are restricted because of who they are or where they come from often look for role models - promoting ED&I creates those role models and shows them that their background shouldn’t hold them back. To be successful in ED&I at QR_, I believe we need a diverse range of people working in the group; from different business levels, time spent at QR_ and locations to education, gender and race.
As a woman of colour, working in a male dominated field, I have personally experienced and witnessed instances where diversity and inclusion were not respected in the workplace. As a result, it is important for me to work for a company where D&I is at the forefront of its mind, like QR, and be part of the driving force to foster D&I.
I believe that fostering a business culture that truly empowers diversity needs to be a priority in every company. I think when you have diversity, being respected, listened and included in a business, it brings a unique edge with creativity and problem solving. As a latin woman immigrant, I’m excited to be part of the inQRedible team for QR and help promote an inclusive environment with equal opportunities daily.
ED&I affects all of us. We all need to do our bit to be allies if we're truly going to turn Diversity and Inclusion from being a buzz term into a concept that is inherently understood by all. Getting involved with QR is just one area where I can contribute, as we work to build an environment that is embracing of everyone with the exception of none.
I wanted to get involved with D&I in this business as I truly believe that a businesses diversity directly correlates with their success. I think that when you have representation from everyone at all levels of the business, this promotes innovation and moves the business into areas which you wouldn't have thought possible previously. I think that we are in a great position, as a company to really lead the charge in this area and champion diversity within an industry that is typically not that diverse.
As a woman working in a male dominated industry, and a mother to a young daughter of color, it is important to me to work with a company that continues to provide equal opportunities and a comfortable and inclusive environment like QR. Helping to find new opportunities to pave the way is why I joined the inQRedible team.
As a Business Manager, and generally being part of QR, I’m invested in supporting and driving our culture. EDI is so important in embedding the sense of belonging, celebrating our differences and the open nature we want to continue working in. This initiative also supports to empower our colleagues in making a difference themselves and affect company wide change.
I've grown up in one of the most Diverse cities on the planet, and I've witnessed the benefits that embracing Diversity & Inclusion has brought to myself and those around me. I'm excited to capture the essence of this and bring it to the inQRedible team for QR!
QREW’s vision is to provide an inclusive space for all those who identify as women at Quick Release. With the aim of inspiring more people who identify as women to establish and grow a career in the STEM field.
The QR_EM network serves to foster a sense of community amongst people who identify as ethnic minorities within the company. We also aim to promote cultural awareness within QR and provide opportunities that support the development and engagement of ethnic minorities through a suite of mentoring activities, knowledge share and networking events.
This network aims to provide a safe space within QR_ for discussion, support and celebration relating to all things LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning). We hope to create an active community of QRians (who either identify as LGBTQ+ or a straight ally) to share our experiences, professionally & personally, and support each other, to make sure everyone in the company can truly be themselves.
There are a lot of words out there at the moment. At QR_ we prefer actions, but felt compelled to add our voice now: QR_ are unequivocally on the side of our black colleagues, clients and partners. We see, hear, and stand by you.
With International Women's Day just gone, QR_ has been doing what it does best and working the data; 26% female, 24% BAME and 6% LGBTQ across our global teams.
PDM professionals from QR_'s Essex and Woking sites joined Migrateful for a cooking social in support of asylum seekers at risk of harm but not quite qualifying for refugee status.
QR_ and Stigma Statistics have been working together and produced this infographic with the help of Shout Crisis Text Line to highlight the impact of suicide and the importance of talking about it.
We are continuously working hard to get a good understanding of where we are as a diverse & inclusive company. We are also looking at many ways to both increase our representation and to mould our culture around our differences, ensuring inclusion is prioritised. We encourage open channels of communication and transparency, so we are happy to share some of our current statistics with you.
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