Case studies
Positive action: Eversheds LLP
Having increased the number of people joining Eversheds from a range of different ethnic backgrounds the firm realised it needed to understand better the various religions and beliefs that it was encountering, both in its own colleagues but also with clients too. It is imperative for us to work comfortably with people from different cultures around the globe to nurture and grow our global reach.
In December 2007 Eversheds issued an invitation on its intranet asking people to join a religion and belief group. The group quickly grew to include members who were Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Baha'is and Jehovah's Witnesses. With the help of the group an information pack was produced, focusing on the beliefs, festivals, traditions and dress of each religion and also some frequently asked questions - for example 'Are there specific times for prayer, if so when?' and 'When are the main festivals and what are the implications for managers?'. This document was used in general diversity awareness training for all partners and managers within the business. The document now sits on the firms intranet and is updated annually.
Following the interest created a cultural annual planner was produced, which was provided to everyone in the firm, both at UK and international offices. This included the religious festivals in this country and in overseas offices too. This year we have launched this as an e-tool in our Outlook calendars.
Again with the help of the religion and belief group, and with the Employers Forum on Belief (an independent employers' network developed to share good practice on religion, belief and non-belief), Eversheds has now established contemplation rooms in each office with over 300 people - London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff. The contemplation rooms are designed to be used by all faiths side by side and by clients as well as colleagues. Training has been given to each receptionist to ensure that they understand how to handle people's requirements sensitively and the location of the contemplation rooms in each office.
Eversheds is now working on improving the catering provided both to colleagues and clients. This has proved to be challenging but the firm believes it is important to be sensitive to everyone's needs. Our caterers have devised a detailed training programme for their employees, our intranet room booking form now asks relevant questions about food and all our secretaries are undergoing training with members of the religion and belief group members.
The firm is seeing flexible working requests for Jewish colleagues and also for Muslim colleagues particularly around Ramadan. Other festivals are becoming well accepted and better understood and celebrated within the business through a series of intranet stories.
Eversheds says that the contribution of the religion and belief group to the business has been invaluable and that people are gaining in confidence in celebrating their religions. "Our relationship with clients and with colleagues globally continue to improve as we begin to understand the different religions and cultures within our marketplace".