Celebration. Unity. Pride Event.
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In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Spanish companies have been stepping up their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, particularly for LGBT+ employees. This shift is part of a broader global trend towards equity and is reflected in the initiatives taken by companies like Santander, Telefonica España, Inditex, and BBVA.
Recently, Santander's Embrace LGBT+ network hosted a discussion about LGBT+ diversity during the pandemic, inviting representatives from the four aforementioned companies. The event, which was part of Santander's Responsible Banking, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, focused on education and acknowledgements related to diversity and inclusion at Santander.
Roberto di Bernardini, the global Head of HR for Santander Group, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of showing one's true self at work. He was followed by Lluis Casanova, who conducted an interview with Eva Diaz, CEO of Appogeo Digital, discussing the critical steps for businesses to improve diversity and inclusion.
Eva Diaz stressed the importance of normalizing being unashamedly who we are, such as showing family on video calls, as an important step in promoting diversity and inclusion. She also suggested that the most important thing we can do is to take steps to accept and understand each other, and to listen to each other.
Santander has also signed an agreement with FELGTB to offer mentoring to the trans community. This initiative is a testament to the bank's commitment to supporting marginalized employees and fostering an inclusive workplace.
The event, which was a first foray into the world of work at Santander for some participants, also highlighted the importance of visibility of all types of diversity, especially from senior leaders. Chema, a participant, emphasized that senior management's belief in diversity makes a tangible difference between saying the words and taking action.
Jose Antonio, another participant, highlighted the importance of training for employees to be more inclusive with everyone. The event agreed that activities promoting continued discussion and acceptance by companies in Spain are an important step in turning those numbers around.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for such inclusion, particularly to support mental health and social equity among diverse groups, including LGBTQ+ people. A 2019 study found that 72% of employees in Spain and Portugal are not open about their sexuality at work or with colleagues, underscoring the need for these initiatives.
Spain, considered one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, legalizing gay marriage in 2005 and serving as a model for gay rights in Europe, is leading the way in this regard. However, the broader European context shows ongoing challenges with discrimination but also an emphasis on improving inclusion policies and supporting employment equity.
These programs and approaches reflect the kinds of responses Spanish companies are expected to have pursued to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion during the pandemic. Similar models of collaboration and community engagement are being recognized as effective approaches globally, with initiatives like Sacramento’s Economic Justice Program, which helps build LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces and job readiness through partnerships and career fairs, serving as examples.
Santander's Pride activities include the 17th Euros from your salary programme and the 16th Euros from your salary contest: Standing with those most in need. These initiatives demonstrate the bank's commitment to supporting marginalized communities beyond just the LGBTQ+ community.
In conclusion, Spanish companies are taking significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly for LGBT+ employees, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through collaborative initiatives, education, and a focus on mental health and wellbeing, these companies are fostering inclusive workplaces and supporting marginalized communities.
- The initiatives taken by Santander, Telefonica Espana, Inditex, and BBVA, such as the Embrace LGBT+ network and collaborative events, indicate a focus on diversity and inclusion in their business strategies.
- Eva Diaz, CEO of Appogeo Digital, posited that normalizing one's authentic self at work, through actions like showing family on video calls, is a crucial step towards fostering diversity and inclusion within a business.
