Turning Awkward Conversations into Powerful Moments
Consultancy
Every business has its own challenges and nuances, so I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs.
I strive to meet you where you are.
In 2023, Eaton Workshop's Hong Kong location partnered with Awkward Conversations to deliver the E.D.I.T. (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Thriving) training programme.
This initiative aimed to nurture Eaton’s inclusive work environment and equip staff with essential DEI tools through a comprehensive two-phase approach: Discovery and Action.
Reasons for Consulting
Recognising the unique challenges in Hong Kong, we adopted a different approach from their DC location.
Specific challenges included:
1
Cultural Sensitivities
Avoiding misunderstandings and offense.
2
Diverse Age Range
Staff aged 18-60, requiring effective communication strategies.
3
Inclusivity Needs
Supporting underrepresented groups like refugees and people with disabilities.
4
Consistency
Making DEI training accessible to all roles, including back-of-house staff.
5
Training Format
Introducing formal DEI training to employees used to operational training.
6
Bilingual Training
Emery’s ability to train in both English and Cantonese was crucial.
7
Brand Alignment
Ensuring DEI efforts align with Eaton’s brand values, especially within the LGBT+ community, and aiming to broaden this focus.
Project Phases and Achievements
01
Discovery (September - October 2023)
-
Conducted mystery guest evaluations and stakeholder interviews to understand the DEI landscape and challenges.
02
Action (November - December 2023)
-
Presented the Discovery report to Eaton's executive management.
-
Facilitated a DEI workshop for executive management.
-
Delivered the E.D.I.T. programme through four 3-hour sessions for groups of 15-25 participants, focusing on practical DEI topics and open conversations.
03
Expansion of E.D.I.T. Programme (March - May 2024)
- Conducted eight 2-hour sessions for an additional 140 staff members during the quieter business season, achieving over 90% attendance.
- Received positive feedback, with average ratings between 3.87 and 4.32 out of 5.
- Highlights included the effectiveness of Emery's delivery and the training's impact on interpersonal skills and personal growth