At Zen we believe that difference should be something we celebrate and be proud of. Through our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) people-led networking groups, we explore ways in which we can continue to create a fair and inclusive place to work for everyone. To learn more about our approach, explore our DEIB strategy outlining our objectives and commitments.
Our DEIB committee bring together all the strands of our networks, helping us to reach the best outcomes and enable the wider team to grow, learn, develop and support each other. This is strengthened through the work we do with and alongside external organisations such as Inclusive Employers, The Bridge GMEA, Hopwood College, Rochdale Sixth Form College, and Matthew Moss High School. Making a positive difference to our people, the local community and young people.
We’re proud of our ‘People First’ culture and our proactive approach to DEIB. Through our active people led support networks; Across the Spectrum, Faith@Zen, #ParentLife, Pause4Thought, Pride@Zen, REACH, CapAble, Mental Health Ambassadors and our largest network Women in Tech, we’re excited to see where our DEIB journey will take us - so come and join us and be part of our team.
We are interested in how our people feel and think. We hear what our people are saying, and we listen. We take action on ideas and suggestions and make positive changes together to support our future success.
We embrace our differences and we celebrate our diverse cultures and backgrounds. We are interested in learning about and understanding the different faiths and traditions of our people.
We have a voice, a place where we’re heard, and the opportunity to contribute, bringing our experiences and individuality to the table - we are one team making a positive difference.
We are mindful of the opportunities to have a positive impact, both here and now, and for future generations. And we partner with like-minded organisations to make long-term improvements.
We recognise the number of women employed in the Tech industry and in Leadership roles is a sector-wide issue. At Zen we’re committed to doing much more to promote equality for all and encourage us to challenge stereotypes, bias and perception. Our Women in Tech Support Network of women and men from across Zen are helping to making a difference through removing barriers, learning, mentoring, educating, championing, and to encourage women both inside and outside Zen to consider a career in technology.
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We believe difference in the workplace should be celebrated – and we know that if our people can be themselves at work, it drives a much happier environment for us all. Our Pride@Zen support network promotes openness and transparency, where people can raise concerns and ideas in a safe and confidential environment. The team raise awareness, provide a forum for discussion, challenge discrimination and positively promote equity. They act as role models in supporting our people and LGBTQ+ friends.
The menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life which is why at Zen we believe it shouldn’t be a taboo subject nor a hidden topic. Our Pause4Thought network provides support for anyone who is affected by the menopause, including partners, husbands, friends, daughters, sons, and colleagues. The group offer a greater awareness, where our people feel supported and comfortable discussing symptoms, feelings, and the impact it has on so many of our people.
Our REACH support network promotes an open and transparent network for peer support from raising concerns, to the sharing ideas – helping to creating a positive environment where our people feel supported and valued. The group raise awareness, celebrate and value people’s ethnic backgrounds and cultural differences, as well as acting as a sounding board to the business for developing policies, and shaping events and communications.
Our Faith@Zen network bring people of different faiths together. As a group they educate and raise awareness to give everyone person a voice, to share their experiences. The team work to share information about the different faiths, helping us to understand and to support each other. The group work together to make positive changes at Zen, from celebrating and supporting cultural days to introducing inclusive washroom facilities.
Our Across the Spectrum support network aims to bring increased awareness about neurodiversity, what this means and how we can help and support everyone neurotypical or not – helping us all to understand more about ourselves and others. The group brings our people together to have open conversations, discuss any challenges and provides knowledge, experience and passion - offering a safe and understanding place where people can be themselves.
At Zen we foster a culture that welcomes working families and we want to do all we can at such a significant time in our people’s lives. We know time away from work for maternity, paternity or adoption leave can often be a little daunting, especially when it comes time to return - this is why our #ParentLife network is so important. The group provides a safe place to discuss any worries or concerns, and to have someone to listen and talk to who maybe going through/or have been through similar experiences.
Disabled Employee Network at Zen provides support for those who live with a disability. The aim of the group is to promote equality of opportunity and inclusivity through working together to support and help everyone who has a disability to work in a way that is best for them. We want to make sure everyone at Zen has a safe and secure place to work and this group will help to make sure our working practises, policies and procedures are disability inclusive.
When we talk about Health & Wellbeing, at Zen we refer to our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We want Zen to be a place where we can all strive, develop and be successful, and we know looking after our health and wellbeing, both inside and outside work, plays an important role in achieving this. At Zen we have a team of Mental Health Ambassadors who are always on hand to support our people whenever they need. This is why we’ve taken a holistic approach and created a comprehensive and inclusive Health & Wellbeing plan.
The Bridge GMEA
We are working with Bridge Greater Manchester to nurture the talents of young people and connect and prepare them for exciting future opportunities.
Hopwood Hall College
In collaboration with Hopwood Hall College, we have developed a Mentor scheme to help support and guide young students as they start to consider their future careers.
Rochdale Sixth Form College
Inclusive Employers
As a committed member of Inclusive Employers we continue to seek ways to support our people and build a workplace where we all belong.
