Uplift social equity: driving inclusive and equitable experiences

How can a story uplift social equity?

Based on our backgrounds and identities, we’re all part of different social groups. These groups we find ourselves in can mean deep-rooted advantage or disadvantage, in terms of access to resources and opportunities — and gaps in how we’re perceived and evaluated.

At EY, we've produced a series of short films featuring colleagues around the world, spotlighting different experiences to help us better connect and understand each other. It’s one step forward in our journey to create positive change, through greater awareness. We’ve sparked deeper conversations and inspired further learning and action — both personally through our interactions, and structurally through the systems and processes that we build and influence.

Now, we’re hoping these stories will inspire positive change outside the EY organization.

Each story is unique, yet shares messages of feeling different or like an outsider — which may feel familiar to all of us. For some, these experiences are repeated over time and across situations because of our background or some aspect of our identity. This can impact a sense of safety, belonging, confidence and access to resources and opportunities — presenting a journey full of hurdles.

Meet our EY colleagues courageously sharing their stories to build awareness and inspire change.

What is EY doing to advance social equity?

Social equity is about clearing obstacles to resources and opportunities and building more inclusive environments.

We’re working to create an organization that’s equitable, where everyone can thrive. It’s an ongoing journey and we’re always learning.

Here are some of the ways we’re building a strong Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness (DE&I) foundation:

Building on the success of our long-standing Global DE&I Steering Committee, the Global Social Equity Task Force was formed in 2020 under sponsorship of the EY Global Chairman and CEO, to address societally-rooted systemic inequities, including racism. Led by the EY Global Vice Chair - Consulting, Errol Gardner; EY Global Vice Chair - Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness, Karyn Twaronite; and EY Asia-Pacific Area Managing Partner, Pat Winter, and composed of nearly 40 EY leaders from around the world, the GSET developed a powerful suite of actions to advance social equity at EY and beyond. These continue to be a critical part of our ongoing DE&I strategy and efforts.

How you can make an impact

Watch the Uplift social equity films

Storytelling helps us to better understand the barriers and challenges experienced by others, which may differ from what we personally encounter. Through better understanding, greater empathy, and stronger connections, we are able to be better, more inclusive colleagues and teammates.

Spark a conversation

Connect with people who have different backgrounds and perspectives than you — leading with curiosity and empathy to build greater understanding and trust. For example, ask “What would you like others to better understand about you, your background and life experiences?” and “What can we do to better support each other’s unique needs?”

Learn more

Here are a few helpful DE&I resources to support your efforts to further uplift social equity:

•  Create a strong sense of belonging for all (pdf): When we feel we belong, we’re more motivated and engaged, with lower stress, greater wellbeing, and higher performance.
•  Sponsor across differences (pdf): Equitable sponsorship boosts progression, confidence and transforms careers.
•  Ask “Is this a Preference, Tradition or Requirement?” (pdf) in every process: When we surface different perspectives and focus on the essential criteria, we can remove barriers, expand our options and improve the quality of our decisions.
  
• Pause for an All in Moment (AIM) in team meetings (pdf): Using small, yet powerful, prompts such as asking, “have we heard from everyone who wants to speak?”, AIM helps remove barriers so that everyone can contribute.