It's not just the LGBTQIAN+ group, but the diversity that ManpowerGroup focuses on includes age, race, and education as well. Manpower treats all these aspects of diversity with equal importance and does not leave anyone behind.
On June 3, 2024, Ms. Wanitcha Wiriyakitpatana, the People & Organization Development Manager of ManpowerGroup Thailand, the global leader in workforce solutions and services, was invited to speak at the BANGKOK PRIDE FORUM 2024 organized by The Better. The forum was titled "LGBTQIAN+ Understanding the Power of Diversity in Everyone."
In her speech, Ms. Wanitcha discussed the topic "Empowering the Organization with the Power of LGBTQIAN+." She emphasized how accepting and understanding the diverse identities of LGBTQIAN+ individuals can break down the limitations caused by gender stereotyping, and how eliminating bias can unleash everyone's full potential without the constraints of social discrimination.
Ms. Wanitcha introduced ManpowerGroup Thailand, stating, "As ManpowerGroup is an organization that recruits people into the labor market, we can provide jobs for more than 20,000 individuals each year. Therefore, the labor market today is much more diverse, not only in terms of gender but also in terms of race, religion, education, and personality."
While acknowledging that Thai society is becoming more open and accepting, Ms. Wanitcha recognized that the root causes of inequality and inequity stem from various factors, such as our own norms and beliefs about who should occupy certain positions, as well as personal biases.
To address these inequalities, Ms. Wanitcha emphasized the importance of self-reflection and respect. "Before talking about the organization, I want everyone to look at themselves first. We need to recognize that this is a normal, natural occurrence that can happen to anyone. The essential thing is to respect ourselves, respect who we are, and respect others."
Regarding how LGBTQIAN+ individuals can gain more acceptance, Ms. Wanitcha suggested a three-pronged approach. First, the individual must recognize that they are already accepted, and focus on how they perceive it. Second, the family institution, as the closest unit, must open its heart and understand and accept each other. Third, the organization, where colleagues and supervisors must be open-minded and focus on one's capabilities rather than biases.
Ms. Wanitcha Wiriyakitpatana also highlighted the importance of self-expression, stating that one's expression is already supported, but it must be done with respect for the environment and have professionalism. She emphasized that expression is not limited to clothing but also includes expressing opinions, which can foster innovation and positive synergy.
Regarding organizational support, Ms. Wanicha mentioned policies such as non-discrimination in recruitment, equal treatment of all employees, and inclusive orientation programs. Additionally, the organization has updated its insurance policies to provide coverage for employees and their partners, regardless of gender.
