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PwC Cyprus holds conference on Inclusion & Diversity in the workplace

19/11/2021 10:21

The organisation helps companies form a diverse and supportive organisational culture

Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, was the main focus of the conference organised by PwC Cyprus, on Thursday, 18 November 2021. The conference titled “Accelerating the Pace of Change: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion”, is part of the organisation’s strategic goal to contribute to building a fair and inclusive society. The main purpose of the conference was to support local businesses move towards a more inclusive and supportive organisational culture, in which staff members feel free to express themselves and reach their full potential.

A panel discussion was held as part of the conference, with the participation of the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Natasa Pilides, the Founding Partner of Harneys Cyprus, Emily Yiolitis, the Adviser to the President of the Republic on issues of Multiculturalism, Acceptance and Respect for Diversity, Costas Gavrielides and the HR Manager of Fx Pro, Martinos Demosthenous. The Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Officer of PwC Australia, Julie McKay, analysed the “Business need for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, while former PwC France Partner, Tarique Shakir-Khalil, shared his personal experience on raising an LGBT+ child.

In statements, Cleo Papadopoulou, Partner, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at PwC Cyprus, stressed that “during these past 8 years, PwC Cyprus is implementing an ambitious programme on inclusion and diversity and I am really proud of everything we have achieved so far. In order for everyone to have equitable access to opportunities, a mechanism must be employed that will provide fair support for all". 

PwC Cyprus has managed to achieve gender balance in the workplace, while it employs people from 26 different nationalities. The organisation is an active member of “Shine”, a project that promotes support and inclusion of LGBT+ people. Over the past two years, PwC has also been taking part in the organisation of PwC's European Pride Week.

At the same time, the organisation offers its support and the necessary tools to clients, helping them shape their own workplace inclusion & diversity programmes, in order to create a work environment that promotes psychological safety and a sense of belonging. PwC Cyprus’ Inclusion & Diversity Consulting team already implements similar projects in Cyprus and Europe, aiming to encourage other companies to make changes and contribute to building a better society. Such initiatives are a great asset for companies and organisations, contributing to forming an even better work environment and attracting qualified and talented members of staff. Moreover, they help maximise profit, as they create a more engaged and satisfied workforce.