— Browse through my writing through my blog now titled:
in other words
Nudging our way towards anti-plastic behaviour
The urgency to reduce plastic waste has never been more pronounced. Here in the Netherlands, consumers are charged for plastic containers since July 2023, an approach intended to curb our reliance on disposable plastics. However, this strategy primarily shifts the responsibility to consumers, while the role of restaurants in this equation often remains unchanged. So I thought, while enjoying today’s takeout, how can we nudge our way out of the “plastic tax” more sustainably? Read along for some ideas.
How to develop a baseline measurement for your BDEI project
A robust BDEI strategy begins not with broad assumptions, but with a detailed understanding of the current organizational climate. This understanding is best achieved through a well-crafted questionnaire designed to establish a clear baseline from which progress can be measured.
BDEI reports to look out for
If you’re a communication professional working on BDEI programs, staying informed is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Having access to the latest data, insights, and trends can be the difference between staying relevant or falling behind. This guide provides an overview of key reports that should be on your radar and how they can be integrated into an annual content calendar to maximize impact and strategic alignment.
Communicating BDEI to employees: challenges and solutions
Belonging, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (BDEI) initiatives are crucial for creating harmonious and productive workplaces. However, effectively communicating these projects to employees can be challenging. This blog post explores the main challenges and offers practical solutions, drawing from my experience in such projects, internal and change communication and passion for creating positive workplace experiences.
Understanding diversity: a guide for communication professionals in BDEI programs
Effective communication is at the heart of BDEI initiatives, as it plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and belonging. To communicate inclusively, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted nature of diversity. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of diversity and their significance in BDEI programs.
Embracing diversity and inclusion year-round with the BDEI calendar
As a communication professional, I’ve always believed that our words and messages have the power to shape cultures and influence perspectives.
That’s why I am excited to share something very personal and significant to my practice: the introduction of a Good Comms BDEI calendar tailored for communication teams. This tool isn’t just about marking dates, it’s a commitment to embracing belonging, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (BDEI) in every message we send and every story we tell.
52 weeks of BDEI: the Inclusive Communicator’s journey
Every new year signals fresh starts, new projects and self-imposed challenges. I am starting off with “52 weeks of BDEI” – a year-long exploration on a mission to learn and help those who would like to learn more about how to communicate DEIB efforts and social inclusion. Join me!
Creating impactful DEI strategies with the EAST framework
In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs stand as cornerstones of progressive and sustainable organizational structures. The success of these initiatives hinges significantly on effective communication strategies. Employing the EAST (Easy, Attractive, Social, Timely) behavior science framework can significantly enhance the impact and reach of DEI programs. This post delves into the application of EAST in developing effective communication strategies for DEI initiatives.
How understanding memory can harness communication practice
After my first bout of Covid, I struggled with brain fog. My thinking was fuzzy and I felt like a scatterbrain which is something I wasn’t used to. I also experienced memory problems. I thought I was having early onset dementia! I wanted answers. So I searched for a book that specifically focused on how memory works. I found one in Lisa Genova’s “Remember, the Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting”. In this blogpost, I summarized my learnings and how these can be useful in communication practice.
Give thanks and improve your sense of belonging
As the amber leaves of November pave the way for the approaching winter, there is a palpable shift in the air—an embrace of reflection and thanksgiving. This month, often seen as the heart of the harvest season, naturally steers our collective consciousness towards gratitude. It’s not just about the Thanksgiving holiday celebrated in many parts of the world, but rather a universal cue for introspection on the abundance within and around us. In this season of giving thanks (which happens to be my favorite!), we find the perfect opportunity to explore the profound connection between gratitude and belonging—two powerful strands woven into the fabric of our social existence.
Belonging and psychological safety: the power duo
In a recent webinar I hosted for IABC Emena a few weeks back, an intriguing question came up: “What’s the link between belonging and psychological safety?” In this blog post, I’ll try to answer that question.
The healing power of belonging: how connection impacts your mental health
As we celebrate Mental Health Month, it’s a fitting time to delve into a topic that profoundly affects our well-being: the sense of belonging. In today’s fast-paced world, our mental health often takes a back seat, but understanding how a sense of belonging can impact it is essential. This blog post takes you on a journey through the complex interplay between belonging and mental health, revealing how cherishing connections can significantly contribute to our mental well-being. Plus, we’ve got a practical micro-action at the end to help you kickstart your journey towards better mental health.