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International Women's Day 2021: Sanjeev Vegad

  • Publish Date: Posted about 3 years ago
  • Author:by Sanjeev Vegad

This International Women's Day, we interviewed some of our team asking them to share their thoughts on how we can #ChooseToChallenge.  

We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.

Meet Sanjeev Vegad, partner and director in our broking and claims team in the UK.

1. Which assumptions or preconceptions would you like to challenge about women at work in 2021? 

The women who have young families can’t hold senior leadership positions.

2. Within your market / industry sector, what progress have you seen businesses take to progress gender equality?

We have increasingly seen clients proactively ask about candidates wanting to return to work after time out of employment raising families as well as ensuring gender-equal shortlists for vacancies are produced.

3. What is one action companies can take to further balance their talent attraction strategies? 

I’d like to see more companies consider how they might fill their roles on a part-time or flexible basis. 

4. What is your top advice for making job descriptions more inclusive?  

Produce adverts rather than job descriptions which are boring! Emphasise how your company is such a great, inclusive place to work and encourage flexible working where possible

5. Are there any companies you admire for the ways in which they celebrate women's achievements?  

I think there are lots of companies that celebrate women’s achievements, however, some organisations such as new-age Tech companies have always seemed to find new and innovative ways of celebrating women’s achievements on their platforms.

6. What can organisations do to shift pre-conceived conceptions about flexible working?

Hopefully one of the learnings we’re able to take from the last 12 months is our ability to adapt and be as if not more productive when working remotely.  Speaking to candidates, the ability to work flexibly around family life is high on the list of things candidates absolutely want from any new opportunity.  The London insurance market has always relied on building close relationships in person and that will continue for sure; what will change is the need to be in the City 5 days a week. 

7. How can organisations support their employees in raising awareness against bias? 

Ensure that the spotlight and awareness aren’t just there during the week and that it’s a constant ongoing education.