BackAnnual Forum 2024: Good practices on inclusive work environment are spreading
How can we advance gender equality? At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, a workshop by Policy Area Safe presented good and effective practices from the marine sector, focused on creating a better social working environment for all.
Keynote speaker Ann Linde, former Foreign Minister of Sweden, introduced the workshop by saying: “Research shows that gender discrimination in the labour market leads to a lower economic growth Acknowledging the necessity to think diversely and inclusively, we need to leave the narrow assumptions of traditional ways of doing things behind.“
The Maritime Industry in Sweden has united around a program dedicated to continuous learning, discussing and improvement of the social work environment – both on ships and in shore-based roles. Corina Bäckström, HR Expert at ferry operator Destination Gotland, one of the participating companies, shared: “Our onboard teams gain a more holistic understanding of the social dynamics across various work areas on our ferries, and our shore staff embrace the program with equal enthusiasm”.
In the workshop, participants had the chance to explore two tools: Group language and its role in inclusion and exclusion, along with techniques for how to become an active bystander.
Liisa Liivamets national contact point for Central Baltic Programme in Estonia thought that the workshop was very useful and she had two main insights: “Firstly, do no treat others the way you want to be treated – treat others like they want to be treated. Secondly, during the discussion on bystander intervention, we realized that everybody needs an active bystander from time to time.“
The methods and tools developed are easily adaptable for use across different industries and countries. With material available in English to serve the global nature of the maritime sector, one of the tools tested today even originated from the construction industry.
Initiatives are underway to expand these good practices to the maritime and other industries across the Baltic Sea Region, aligning with the goals of Policy areas on Maritime Safety, Education and Health.
Ann Linde summarized the workshop by saying “The workshops we did today, demonstrate the power of talking about social work environment issues. In all areas it is of paramount importance that leaders on all levels are ‘walking the talk’- from the Director General or Captain of a ship, to a leader of a task force. Those of us who are, and those who will be, in all kinds of executive or management positions should work towards gender equality both internally within the workplace/organization, as well as when carrying out their own organization’s external work.” Creating a positive work environment naturally boots gender equality and inclusion overall!
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