Enhancing Innovation Through Diverse Perspectives

Q: How does LGBT+ representation within WTW contribute to a more inclusive and innovative work environment?

Anthony: LGBT+ representation brings diverse perspectives and a wider range of viewpoints to the table. This naturally promotes innovation and creative solutions. For WTW, which markets itself as a global leader within the insurance and risk management space, ensuring that unique perspectives are heard is vital to the success of the business.

Leveraging LGBT+ Experiences for Business Success

Q: In what ways does WTW leverage the experiences and perspectives of LGBT+ employees to drive business success?

Anthony: There is an increased focus on talent acquisition and employee engagement. A reputation for LGBT+ inclusion attracts a wider pool of talented individuals, giving us a competitive edge in the job market compared to other organizations that remain silent on this issue. Additionally, feeling valued and respected as an LGBT+ person boosts morale and engagement, leading to higher productivity.

Role Models and Mentorship

Q: How do LGBT+ role models within WTW inspire and mentor others, both within and outside the LGBT+ community?

Anthony: From a bird’s eye view, seeing successful, in-charge, and proudly LGBT+ individuals in the workplace is incredibly validating and liberating for other LGBT+ employees. It challenges the norm that generally sees heteronormative, white, male-passing people in management roles, showing that anyone can thrive at WTW. This inspires LGBT+ employees to embrace their authentic selves at work.

These role models provide invaluable guidance for career development by sharing insights from their own careers and personal stories that illustrate how they’ve overcome challenges. They offer valuable mentorship, equipping junior employees with navigation strategies for overcoming bias and tips for building resilience, ultimately fostering a strong sense of belonging within WTW.

Seeing this within the wider WTW network assists allyship, stimulating empathy among non-LGBT+ colleagues as we move towards a more inclusive workplace.

Anthony’s insights highlight the significant impact of LGBT+ representation at WTW. At WTW, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued is central to our mission of driving innovation and achieving business success. By creating a supportive and empowering workspace for all employees, we ensure that everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. This PRIDE Month, we celebrate the strides we’ve made and reaffirm our commitment to a future where everyone can thrive authentically in the workplace.

We hope this conversation with Anthony inspires you as much as it has inspired us. Happy PRIDE Month!

It has become a cornerstone for the success of any organization. At WTW, we know that fostering inclusivity isn’t just about meeting quotas or ticking boxes; it’s about actively seeking out diverse perspectives and embracing the richness they bring to the table. Only by doing this can we really start transforming tomorrows.

The first step for inclusion happens at the hiring stage. Embarking on the inclusion journey from the hiring process is paramount, by actively seeking out diverse talent. Our recruitment team not only aims to bring in a wealth of qualified candidates but also strengthen the WTW culture of inclusivity from the outset. Seth Schneider, Senior Associate from the Recruitment Team in North America, is a strong ally of the LGBT+ community and is passionate about inclusive hiring at WTW. He mentions the company’s collaboration with the Denver Pride Job Fair over the past two years which underscores the dedication to fostering inclusivity in the workplace.

“The essence of what I’ve observed is the emphasis on promoting WTW’s core values, specifically the idea of encouraging individuals to bring their true selves to work. This, I believe, is one of the most significant takeaways. People who I meet at these events resonate with the notion that we’re advocating and supporting the authenticity of each individual in the workplace.”

Events such as the one taking place in Denver, Colorado help individuals from the LGBT+ community understand WTW’s dedication to inclusivity as an employer and its progress towards becoming a robust one through I&D efforts.

Seth also highlights that “we extend our support across various dimensions of our colleagues’ well-being, including physical, emotional, social, and familial aspects, showcasing dedication to building an environment where every individual feels valued and supported. This is encouraged and instilled globally across all locations of WTW.”

Committing to Inclusive Excellence

By tracking our progress and seeking different perspectives globally, we aim to continuously improve and evolve. Right from hiring to culture experience, we embrace diversity, knowing that it is the key to driving innovation and achieving our collective goals.

Check out some of our colleagues’ PRIDE stories, all month long, on our Instagram @lifeatwtw, Meta at https://www.facebook.com/willistowerswatsoncareers or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/wtwcorporate/, where they are sharing why belonging is so important.

WTW, a place where you belong!