Janet Zoer
Hoofd HR bij Port of Amsterdam

The context:
Diverse and inclusive at Port of Amsterdam

 

While we did not experience specific challenges in regards to DE&I at Port of Amsterdam, discussions did arise within the organization that prompted us to think about it. At first, the topic of male-female diversity and inclusion came up, but it soon became clear that it is not just about the male-female division, but about making a difference in the workplace in a broader sense. Our question became more about: What do you bring that is both complementary and at the same time challenges what we currently have?

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"At first, the topic of male-female diversity and inclusion came up, but it soon became clear that it is not just about the male-female division, but about making a difference in the workplace in a broader sense. Our question became more about: What do you bring that is both complementary and at the same time challenges what we currently have?"

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The approach: Engaging in important dialogue

 

The program we put together with JustB consisted of a series of in-depth conversations with every department in the organization, exploring the meaning of “diversity” and “inclusion.” Above all, we wanted to find out what we should be paying more attention to – what makes people feel comfortable? What makes them feel uncomfortable?

 

These conversations served as a helpful follow-up to an unconscious bias workshop that the management team completed. Our aim was to expand the scope of this workshop to the larger organization in an accessible way.

 

The impact: Building knowledge & awareness

 

After the team dialogue sessions, JustB conducted a DE&I survey within Port of Amsterdam, which we extensively reviewed together. Alongside the dialogues and research, JustB organized a number of sessions focusing on topics that frequently emerged, such as unconscious bias ,gender, psychological safety, identity and generational differences.

 

Bernice then discussed the research findings with the management team, as well as provided tools to continue working on DE&I.

 

The program JustB created was clear and well-organized. Bernice is very flexible and a pleasure to work with. She consistently demonstrated a strong ability to adapt to change – in the dialogue sessions dedicated to specific topics, for example, she adapted the design of the session on the fly depending on group size. She is very engaged and also knows how to create a safe environment where employees feel safe to participate in open conversations.

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"The program JustB created was clear and well-organized. Bernice is very flexible and a pleasure to work with. She consistently demonstrated a strong ability to adapt to change."

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The future of diversity and inclusion at Port of Amsterdam

 

It is very nice to strategize with Bernice. What worked very well for us during the proces is that we were able to make iterations to the design of the program, nothing is set in stone. Which is helpful when searching for the right approach relating to diversity and inclusion related issues. With JustB’s help, we’ve been able to build awareness around diversity and inclusion within the organization while also making sure we are able to have meaningful conversations about these topics.