Towards an even more appreciative and inspiring work community

2025 was a significant year for Hansel from the perspective of promoting diversity, inclusion and equity (DEI). It is not only about individual measures or trainings, but also about the long-term development of a culture that supports the realisation of our value, An appreciative and inspiring work community.

During the spring and early summer, we organised events with our partner to increase understanding of DEI themes and provide concrete tools for everyday encounters. With the supervisor team, we considered how diversity and inclusion are taken into account in management, and with the entire crew what this theme means in the work community. In addition, we prepared a survey of the current state to map out the baseline of diversity and inclusion. Of the respondents, 77 per cent considered it important to keep the matter on the agenda in the work community. The results of the survey were excellent, but we clear areas for development could also be identified.

Everyone can contribute to the experience of acceptance and safety

In terms of events, the DEI theme culminated at our summer day at Hämeenkylä Manor, where we discussed together how each of us can promote feelings of acceptance and safety in the work community. Based on the summer day workshop, we formed Hansel’s diversity and inclusion pledge:

“It is important for us to be a work community where everyone feels good. We value each other’s differences and diverse opinions. We actively work to ensure that every colleague feels appreciated and safe.”

The guiding idea is that we are moving in the same direction together, towards an increasingly better work community. We do this to make sure we do our part:

1. I am a fair colleague and active in the work community – I greet, ask questions, listen.
2. I give room for the differences of my colleagues, for diverse opinions and also for mistakes.

During workdays and workplace events, we follow these safer space principles:

• I forget assumptions and biases – I am open to people’s diversity and different opinions.
• I pay attention to my way of speaking and my choice of words.
• I do not deny or criticise someone who thinks differently or has made a mistake.
• I speak up if I feel that I or others are being mistreated.
• I always thank and encourage when there is a reason to do so.

DEI work is about continuous learning and development, and it is never finished. We are still on our way, but the direction is clear: we are moving towards a work community where everyone can be themselves and where diversity is seen as an asset. We have a lot of diversity, even though it is not always externally visible in people. Therefore, it is important to create an environment where everyone can feel heard and seen as themselves. When diversity is seen as an asset, a work community in which everyone can shine emerges.

You may also be interested in