Something I often see is that many young people who join a company compromise in showing their identity. And often that’s because they prefer not to explicitly express cultural differences. While it’s a shame if we try to hide cultural differences, rather than celebrating them.
Culture is an important part of identity
Many boys and girls, for example, don’t dare to indicate to their employer that they would like time for prayer. There is often a cultural difference in, for example, the taste of food, film or what kind of activity is liked.
In many Dutch work cultures, for example, there’s the idea that a work outing is only successful if a lot of alcohol flows. While colleagues with a different cultural background might have a very different relationship with alcohol. And may not drink at all. It’s a shame if these cultural differences can’t be discussed. Because as long as it’s not discussed, awareness will remain limited as well.
I often see that people dare not express the things that bring forward the differences in culture. It’s a pity, because cultural differences are actually very beautiful. They can be discussed, but should also be celebrated.
There must be space for differences
The advantage of expressing these differences is that you also make them discussable for others. In a company like Albert Heijn, for example, it is taken for granted that people get the space to pray if they want to, and there are prayer rooms available.
Of course, it is important that there is also the opportunity and space on the part of the employer to express those differences and needs. So at the same time this is a plea to the other side: be open to precisely those differences and those needs of all your employees.