Celebrating Diversity and Confronting Microaggressions during Colours Month

October holds a special place in our hearts for various reasons. It’s a time when we come together to celebrate diversity in all its forms – cultural, linguistic, religious, ethnic, and racial. It’s like a whirlwind of cultural festivities that unite us.

Welcome to Colours Month, a time to celebrate diversity and inclusivity! We’re delving into the meaningful theme of “Lift Every Voice”, a concept deeply tied to the essence of Black History Month. 

Colours Month is not just about Black History; it’s a month that embodies cultural celebrations, global unity, and a recognition of our shared humanity. Alongside European Black History Month, we also commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, UN Day, World Mental Health Day, and much more. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of October and address the root of microaggressions.

Lift Every Voice: A Call to Address Racism

Our theme this year, “Lift Every Voice”, draws inspiration from a powerful poem often referred to as the “Black national anthem.” This theme goes beyond just the talk; it’s a call to action. It reminds us that addressing racism is not confined to a single month; it’s a year-round commitment. Racism, whether overt or subtle, continues to affect our diverse world. It’s a systemic issue that requires a collective effort to dismantle and undermine the inclusive environment we strive to build at Glovo.

Microaggressions: The Subtle Villains

This year, we’re shining a light on microaggressions. What are they, you ask? They’re like those persistent little irritations you can’t see but feel. 

For example, making assumptions or jokes based on racial stereotypes, suggesting that someone being attractive is unexpected for their racial or ethnic group, by saying “you’re so pretty for a [race/ethnicity]”, or using racial slurs or derogatory terms targeted at a specific racial or ethnic group. 

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional acts or comments that perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. They may seem harmless at first glance, but their impact can be hurtful and divisive. These small actions come in various forms, from seemingly innocent remarks to concealed biases.

• Step 1: Raising Awareness

To address these subtle biases, our first step is raising awareness. It’s vital to recognize that seemingly innocent comments or actions can contribute to discrimination. We need to remain vigilant, engaging in self-reflection to uncover hidden biases and stereotypes. Once identified, we can actively work to eliminate them from our interactions.

During Colors Month and throughout the year, we emphasize understanding and addressing microaggressions through educational resources on our internal Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging webpage. In line with fostering an inclusive environment, our goals are to:

• Ensure equal opportunities and representation for all employees, regardless of background.
• Encourage appreciation and celebration of various races, cultures, and ethnicities.
• Enhance product inclusion by considering diverse languages and dietary restrictions, making our products culturally sensitive and inclusive.

• Step 2: Education and Dialogue

Step two involves education and open dialogue. Think of it as expanding your knowledge in the language of diversity. We need to educate ourselves about the diverse world we live in and engage in meaningful conversations about different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. It’s an ongoing journey, not a one-time thing.

The significance of this topic and its role in Glovo’s global success highlights the ongoing journey we all need to be a part of. Our VP of People and sponsor of Colours of Glovo, Cristina de la Rosa, shares her perspective on embracing the richness of cultural diversity:

“Here at Glovo, we have the privilege of working with colleagues of more than 80 different nationalities, both within our international teams and at our  headquarters. We want every single one of our employees to not only feel included but also to bring their best version to work every day.

As we operate in 25 countries worldwide, it’s crucial that we understand and appreciate the richness of local cultures to make our app truly successful. We’ve always believed that diversity fuels innovation and better solutions. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring representation from our headquarters in the solutions we develop.

During this special month dedicated to celebrating Colours of Glovo. It’s an opportunity to get educated and listen to how each of us can be an ally for all cultures and races. But most importantly, it’s a chance to start putting into practice what we learn. Together, we can foster an environment where every individual feels valued and supported in their ride at Glovo.”

Step 3: Systemic changes

Systemic diversity and inclusion changes are imperative in company processes to foster a more equitable workplace and to make sure no one is left out by default. Some important systemic changes we’ve implemented over the last years at Glovo include revising hiring practices to eliminate bias, implementing diverse interview panels, establishing inclusive communication guidelines, and regularly analyzing pay gaps. These changes drive a culture where all employees, regardless of their backgrounds, feel valued and empowered, leading to a more vibrant, productive, and socially responsible organization.

As we embrace Colours Month and enter October, let’s carry the spirit of “Lift Every Voice” with us. Let’s celebrate diversity, address racism, and work towards eradicating microaggressions. Together, we can create a more inclusive, harmonious, and welcoming world. Cheers to lifting every voice!