The Dublin office recently hosted a Belonging and Wellbeing in a Changing Workplace themed event involving two panel discussions. Guest speakers who participated in the first panel focused on belonging while working remotely and successful strategies they have seen implemented to support employees working remotely during the pandemic. They also discussed flexible or agile working pre, during and post-Covid and shared insights on successful agile processes they have experienced which help people to continue to feel a sense of belonging and which impact positively on workplace culture.  Panel one speakers included Breda McCague, Co-founder of Lean-In-Ireland; Margot Slattery, Chief Global D&I Officer at Sodexo and;  Maria Black, Legal Counsel, Barclays Legal D&I Committee Member.

Our panel two guest speakers included Niall Quinn, former professional footballer and former Sunderland Chairman; Jim Gavin, former Dublin Gaelic football team manager and assistant director of the Irish Aviation Authority. Panel two discussed how a successful working environment can be cultivated in a sporting environment and the roles that different stakeholders have in achieving this. Perspectives were also shared on managing a team remotely for positive outcomes while using players and the pitch as an analogy. Sports psychology was discussed and the importance of retaining a positive outlook when faced with challenges and the speakers shared tips for building greater resilience during the discussion.

 

Walkers' speakers who participated in the event included Managing Partner Garry Ferguson, D&I lead partner and Head of Asset Management and Investment Funds Nicholas Blake-Knox, partners Noeleen Ruddy and David McGovern, Associate Nuala Clarke and Director of BD and Marketing Fiona Boland.