In this week’s guest column, EqualityX’s CEO Dr Zaheer Ahmad, reveals the launch of the first-ever Top 50 Inclusive Muslim Employers List, and shares the reasons behind it.
With just over a quarter of the world’s population who identify themselves as Muslims it is surprising that anti-Muslim hatred is growing and has reached ‘epidemic proportions’. This growing community consists of unique individuals who are diverse and dynamic. Although their faith and values bring them together, they are not a homogenous group that can be placed under any one label.
Muslims do not form a single homogenous group. They come from various ethnicities, backgrounds and countries, so they may not fit the mould in which society creates for them.
As we work to create more equitable workplaces, we need to understand and support the needs of all identities that have been marginalised or underserved. Muslims are arguably one of the most misunderstood identities globally, and as such, their needs are often overlooked. This can lead to a lowered sense of belonging, or feelings of being unsafe and discriminated against.
INSPIRING MUSLIM ROLE MODELS
Many Muslims report a growing number of challenges from being given fewer opportunities, finding it difficult to accessing work being offered, facing discrimination at all stages of the job process, and not given the chance to get an Interview in the first place. Despite this, we still see resilient and strong individuals shining through and becoming role models (often without realising) for others around them. There is immense humbleness amongst this community to work for the greater good, not attract attention, and continue to deliver and serve.
EqualityX is proud to announce the launch of its two recognition 2023 Influential Muslims and Inclusive Muslim Employers lists. The 2023 Influential Muslim List is reserved for the most inspirational Muslim individuals whose work has brought distinction to Muslim communities. The Inclusive Muslims Employers list showcases employers who have demonstrated themselves to be supporting Muslims, both inside and outside the organisation.
CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING MUSLIM TALENT
EqualityX, was established in 2022, to celebrate outstanding Muslim talent and champion the achievements of inclusive Muslim employers. It has been proven that workforce diversity and workplace inclusion unlock innovation, increase productivity and drive positive social change.
Even so, the progress on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in the workplace has been slow. Whilst organisations have built in D&I strategies, the current era calls for organisations to publicly demonstrate commitment to diversity at all levels and enhance inclusive culture with highest levels of belonging. This includes Muslim employees. EqualityX aims to spotlight extraordinary Muslim talent who are at the forefront of pivotal D&I conversations and recognise progressive employers.
INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS 2023
Launched for the first time in 2022 across 10 industries, this year EqualityX is launching two lists split to focus on amplifying the outstanding contribution of remarkable Muslims in the two regions: Europe (including the UK) and the Americas. This list is designed to recognise Muslim professionals, celebrate their achievements, and enhance the reputation of Muslim communities.
Following the great success of the Influential Muslims list and consultations with a number of global organisations and interest generated, Equality X is proud to announce the launch of the Inclusive Muslim Employers List 2023. Regardless of where employers are in their inclusion journey the aim is to celebrate the work done to date along with walking the path together and guiding progress to aspire and inspire for better.
If you are keen to strengthen your organisation’s inclusion strategies to further recognise and include Muslims, then definitely consider participating. The process involves completing a straightforward application form with a range of questions. Some elements may require evidence to support responses, but it will not be asking for diversity data. Employers in the Top 50 will be notified 2 weeks ahead of the list publication. There are many benefits to participating. They include creating a sense of belonging for all employees, attracting a broader talent pool and representing the importance of D&I and standing out from the crowd.
HOW TO APPLY
The online application form consists of 85 questions, separated into five key categories. They include:
- Employee Policy and Benefits
- Inclusion and Culture
- Employee Lifecycle and Staff Network Groups
- Marketing and Comms
- Customers, Service users, Consumers and Clients
The questions have been designed to acknowledge and evaluate employers’ inclusion work for their Muslim workforce and the community, regardless of where employers are on their inclusion journey. The aim is to celebrate and guide the progress to aspire to be better. Each question is allocated a score; and some questions will require supporting evidence that must relate to the work carried out in the last two years.
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING
Being the first of its kind there are many benefits of participation, including but not limited to:
- Allowing your organisation to lead the way and set the benchmark for other employers.
- Boosting participating organisations’ reputation, setting yourself “apart from the crowd”.
- An opportunity to show your commitment to Muslim inclusion and in turn, attract Muslim talent and improve the retention of existing Muslim employees.
- Externally this recognition will allow you to strengthen relationships with Muslim clients, customers and consumers; within your home region and internationally too.
Employers not in the Top 50 will receive a detailed report with industry score comparison and recommendation on next steps. For more information visit: www.equalityx.co.uk
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Zaheer Ahmad is a prominent voice on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). He most recently served as the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Haleon, a world-leading consumer health company. He has held senior DEI roles at Ernst and Young and in the UK Police Service.
Dr Zaheer Ahmad is a multi-award-winning thought leader in Diversity and inclusion. He holds several advisory and non-executive positions with leading organisations, including the National Health Service, Megaport and Industry Skills Board. A former Race advisor to the Arsenal football club, he is currently an Independent Panel Member with the Premier League Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standards. He is also the founder of EqualityX which publishes an annual list of Influential Muslims in the workplace and the Top 50 Inclusive Muslim Employers. Recognised for his distinguished knowledge and impact in DEI, Zaheer has received over 30 awards and honours.
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