Work on diversity and inclusion is high on our agenda all year round. We have found that we become better at giving advice when employees bring different backgrounds and perspectives to the table. We are also able to better deliver as a company when everyone feels that they can be themselves at work. At the same time, we are part of what has traditionally been a conservative industry where there is still plenty of room for the suits to increase in diversity.
Prohibition against discrimination is something we are very familiar with in our profession. However, we all have a lot to learn about how unconscious bias and attitudes can affect the way we interact with colleagues and the wider community. Pride is an opportunity to fill that knowledge gap and level up as people. We are looking forward to Amnesty International Norway’s visit and are excited to learn more about their work, current challenges and what we can do to promote diversity, safety and inclusion.
As a part of the CMS Group, Kluge is part of an international network with a long history as a Pride sponsor and supporter in the UK and the EU. CMS also has smaller offices in countries where homosexuality is still criminalised. This is yet another reminder for us that we need to continue the fight for love and human rights and against persecution in all parts of the world.
In many places, it is still prohibited to wear rainbow symbols and to speak positively about LGBTQ+. This makes everyday life unsafe for many. Despite the progress we have made, there is still a way to go.
We wish all colleagues, clients and partners a wonderful and colourful Pride month, full of openness, curiosity, solidarity and unbounded love!
Happy Pride!
Bjørnar Alterskjær
Managing partner
