I think like most people I struggle with acronyms within my work life.  I find myself explaining EDIB in most meetings. My E is for Equity, for others it may represent Equality, along with the variations of DEI, DIB, JEDI (J stands for Justice). For me, from EDIB (Equity/Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging), the weight of Belonging is higher.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘belonging’ is a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group and having a good relationship with the other members of the group because they welcome you and accept you: A sense of belonging is one of humanity’s most basic needs.

The feeling of not being part of a group or not thinking I should be included in certain discussions is something I understand very well.  Being a person of color in a company and industry that is predominately white and at times majority male, I found myself having a hard time in meetings that I felt maybe above me. 

Recently, a colleague (who is also a woman of color) and I discussed Imposter Syndrome (the feeling that your achievements are not real or that you do not deserve praise or success).  In other words, I don’t always feel like I belong in certain meetings, on the Academic Board, or at the head of the table when conducting training or discussions. The more I have these discussions, the more aware I become that I am not alone. 

This colleague, who resides in the UK and works in the academic publishing industry, asked me if I thought of going back to the office on a regular a basis and what does that look like.  She asked because her experience of going back to her office means that she is “the one”.  The anxiety that she has regarding being “the one” is so much that she feels safer at home. She struggles with the idea that there is no one to relate to in her office.  This wasn’t relevant to me because I don’t have this experience in my workspace in New York.  I experience a lot of my own anxieties when I am the person of color in meetings and sometimes the only woman on calls.  However, when I leave the room I am surrounded by diversity of every type. I don’t have the experience of being the only one in the entire office nor the feeling of not being supported or understood because I identify with other colleagues.

In another conversation, I had a colleague who felt that because they have difference of opinions with the majority, they are not allowed to be themselves.  This was not the first conversation I have had in which someone didn’t feel that they can be authentically themselves.  As individuals, we should be mindful that everyone’s history is different and not everyone is going to approach things in the same way.  If someone is coming forward with questions, take a step back and provide support or some direction. Empathize with the individual and use the moment as a teaching experience. Everyone is entitled to have their individual opinions within Cambridge, what will not be tolerated is disrespect or bullying and harassment. Humanity’s basic needs are intrinsic with the EDIB strategy and upcoming policies for Cambridge employees. 

With the launch of the Anti-Racism Toolkit for the US and UK, the ongoing trainings for Conscious Inclusion, and more recently the LGBTQ+101 sessions, we are moving the dial on open dialogue within the organization.  These trainings are safe spaces for people to bring questions, reflect on experiences and ask for guidance. By creating global policies on EDIB, bullying & harassment and gender diverse inclusion we are making it possible for people in global offices feel as that they are able to discuss issues by having conversations in safe spaces. Hopefully, these colleagues will begin feeling that they are welcome to Cambridge regardless of their sexuality, gender, race etc.

We are making it possible for those in major hubs to voice opinions without feeling that there will be repercussions for coming forward with their thoughts and being mindful that this is not easy. We must practice empathy for each other despite our individual difference of opinions. No one should feel that they do not BELONG.