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My journey of coming out at work began when I sought to enrol my partner in the health insurance policy and got support from my employers!
I am Ketan Bajaj, currently employed as a Nat Cat Modeller at Swiss Re. I take pride in being open about my identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in my workplace. My journey of coming out at work began when I sought to enrol my partner in the health insurance policy offered by an external vendor to employees.
In a significant milestone for the Bangalore location, this was the first instance of including same-sex couples in the policy. With the assistance of my manager, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) head, and HR department, the process was seamless.
On the occasion of National Coming Out Day, I shared a blog detailing my personal journey of accepting my sexuality, coming out to my parents, and registering my partner under the health insurance provided by Swiss Re.
Though, I was aware of Swiss Re’s inclusive environment and robust ally network, the overwhelming response I received from everyone regarding my blog moved me to tears.
Following my coming out, I experienced an increased sense of confidence, heightened productivity, improved mental well-being, and an enhanced ability to express my authentic self. Openly embracing my identity allowed me to forge stronger connections with my colleagues and relieved me of the burden of concealing a significant aspect of who I am.
I no longer have to suppress my true identity within the workplace.
Inclusion in the workplace holds immense importance for both employees and employers. Extensive research has consistently shown that inclusive workplaces boast higher retention rates, expanded customer bases, increased talent attraction, and improved employee engagement and well-being.
Notably, the World Bank estimates that discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals can cost economies up to 1% of GDP. Various studies have demonstrated that workplaces with inclusive policies foster higher job commitment and a more productive environment.
For individuals to feel protected and comfortable coming out at work, a robust and vocal ally network is essential. Allies act as a protective barrier, amplifying our voices by challenging prejudice and bias while creating a safe space through their unwavering solidarity.
To truly achieve inclusion, we require more vocal and consistent allies who can influence organizations and institutions to advocate for inclusive policies, hiring practices, and greater sensitization regarding the LGBTQIA+ community.
These allies are instrumental in fostering safe spaces for dialogue and learning by dismantling systemic biases and challenging discriminatory practices.
In conclusion, the impact of genuine workplace inclusion cannot be overstated. It holds the power to transform lives, inspire innovation, and drive organizational success.
However, achieving true inclusion necessitates the presence of allies—individuals who comprehend the significance of diversity, equality, and inclusion and actively strive to create a fairer and more equitable world for all.
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Image source: Ketan Bajaj, created on CanvaPro
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Neena was the sole caregiver of Amma and though one would think that Amma was dependent on her, Neena felt otherwise.
Neena inhaled the aroma that emanated from the pan and took a deep breath. The aroma of cumin interspersed with butter transported her back to the modest kitchen in her native village. She could picture her father standing in the kitchen wearing his white crisp kurta as he made delectable concoctions for his only daughter.
Neena grew up in a home where both her parents worked together in tandem to keep the house up and running. She had a blissful childhood in her modest two-room house. The house was small but every nook and cranny gave her memories of a lifetime. Neena’s young heart imagined that her life would follow the same cheerful course. But how wrong she was!
When she was sixteen, the catastrophic clutches of destiny snatched away her parents. They passed away in a road accident and Neena was devastated. Relatives thronged her now gloomy house and soon it was decided that she should be married off.
Women today don’t want to be in a partnership that complicates their lives further. They need an equal partner with whom they can figure out life as a team, playing by each other’s strengths.
We all are familiar with that one annoying aunty who is more interested in our marital status than in the dessert counter at a wedding. But these aunties have somehow become obsolete now. Now they are replaced by men we have in our lives. Friends, family, and even work colleagues. It’s the men who are worried about why we are not saying yes to one among their clans. What is wrong with us? Aren’t we scared of dying alone? Like them?
A recent interaction with a guy friend of mine turned sour when he lectured me about how I would regret not getting married at the right time. He lectured that every event in our lives needs to be completed within a certain timeframe set by society else we are doomed. I wasn’t angry. I was just disappointed to realize that annoying aunties are rapidly doubling in our society. And they don’t just appear at weddings or family functions anymore. They are everywhere. They are the real pandemic.
Let’s examine this a little closer.
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