Driving inclusiveness through the lens of social equity | Chung G. Tham | EY Global Delivery Services | Assurance – Wealth and Asset Management Leader

The essence of a thriving organization lies in its ability to create an environment wherein all employees feel that they belong, are valued and comfortable to bring their authentic selves to work. At EY Global Delivery Services (GDS), we are at the forefront of championing diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DE&I), making it the cornerstone of our corporate identity. We are deeply invested in fostering a culture that not only celebrates diversity but also actively promotes equity and inclusiveness.

The core of our DE&I agenda

A key pillar of the DE&I strategy at EY GDS is our commitment to LGBT+ inclusion. We have been proactively creating an environment where individuals feel free to express their true identity. According to a recent 2024 poll conducted internally, 83% of our employees feel authentic at work and 85% feel included and supported by their teams. This is a testament to our success in nurturing an environment where all professionals can bring their true, unique selves to work, making us a stronger organization and better able to service EY clients.

Our approach to LGBT+ inclusion

Adopting the Embassy Model for LGBT+ inclusion allows us to navigate the diverse legal and cultural landscapes across our global locations. For instance, well ahead of the decriminalization of Section 377 in India, we proactively pioneered LGBT+ policies which include medical insurance for same-sex partners and coverage for gender affirmation surgery. Spousal benefits now cover domestic partners, and we extended leave policies to support same-sex couples for adoption and surrogacy. Our dress code accommodates gender fluidity, and we conduct sensitization workshops for leaders to better support colleagues coming out at work. Inclusive leadership behaviours are emphasized through sessions for talent networks and hiring managers, self-paced learning modules, and workshops addressing biases against the LGBT+ community.

Promoting allyship and awareness

A key component of our DE&I strategy is the cultivation of allyship. Since 2017, our Unity LGBT+ and allies network has been instrumental in supporting employees and fostering acceptance, and a large number of our people signed up as allies. Through initiatives like the #AllyChallenge, we encourage continuous learning and engagement, further embedding inclusiveness into our corporate DNA. We have service line-specific initiatives, such as Melange our Assurance DE&I Week, wherein we featured sessions, panel discussions and engagements on disability confidence and LGBT+ inclusion, embedding inclusiveness into our corporate culture. We have had some of our employees share their journeys on coming out as well as the challenges they faced both at and outside work with
the wider group.

Leveraging storytelling to uplift social equity

Storytelling is a powerful tool for promoting social equity. Our Equity Dialogues series features stories of professionals from diverse and under-represented backgrounds, highlighting their experiences and challenges. This initiative promotes understanding and empathy, driving a more inclusive workplace culture. The Unity Safe Space Conversations, an interactive speaker series, offers a platform for internal and external speakers to share
their experiences candidly, helping foster psychological safety and a sense of belonging for all. This initiative, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has since grown significantly and created a safe and judgment-free space for over 2,000 participants.

Continuing our journey

While we have made progress in our journey toward inclusiveness and diversity, we recognize that the path to full integration of social equity and LGBT+ inclusion is ongoing. EY leaders play a pivotal role in advocating for under-represented groups by challenging prevailing assumptions so that opportunities are distributed equitably.

It is imperative that we continually re-evaluate our organizational structures and processes to dismantle any barriers that impede social equity and mobility. By creating accessible pathways for individuals from less advantaged backgrounds, we aim to establish a more balanced and fairer environment.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), which emphatically encompasses LGBT+ inclusion, is not just a moral imperative but a critical component of our success. We believe that fostering a valued and inclusive environment is the key to driving innovation and collaboration. As we steadfastly embrace diversity in all its forms, we remain dedicated to constructing workplaces where every individual can thrive and contribute to our collective achievements.

Disclaimer: The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.