Aberdeen’s global effort puts embracing difference in the picture

The theme of the 2016 International Women’s Day campaign is #PledgeForParity and respecting and valuing differences in the workplace.

More than 500 of the firm’s workforce from all over the world have shared what makes them different for a montage of photographs that have been collated into a film clip.

Over 500 employees who work in Aberdeen’s global network of offices, including in Sydney, Singapore, Madrid, New York and London, took part.

Using the slogan, ‘I Am Only Different Because…’ they were photographed holding a card celebrating their individual differences,being a martial arts master, riding a unicycle and a female football referee. These pictures have been collated into a short video montage for release on social media:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnHvSAS7AHw

Aberdeen said the initiative aims to promote the value that diversity and inclusion brings to the workplace.

A statement from the company said: “It recognises everyone is different but this should not hinder people working together. In fact, mixed teams are able to look at issues from different perspectives and, as a result, formulate better solutions.”

Antonia Stirling, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Aberdeen, said: “Aberdeen fundamentally believes that an inclusive culture which embraces difference can bring huge benefits. This initiative – coinciding with International Women’s Day – aims to celebrate the huge range of different people who work for Aberdeen. We employ 2,800 people, across 72 nationalities located in 25 countries around the world so it is in our interests to understand and promote the importance of diversity. Employing people who are different to one another means you get different views, more debate and better reasoned decision-making.”