Strategy | Why Virgin Media is focussing on inclusivity during the pandemic

There is a growing risk that some of the UK’s most vulnerable workers are going to be even more isolated during the lockdown period – especially with many businesses focussing on survival.

Yet, as Vic Whitehouse, Inclusion Lead at Virgin Media, explained “for those people who are now working from home, particularly those who are classed as vulnerable, there is a growing risk that their self-isolation will lead to feelings of separation and loneliness as they feel disconnected from society.

Whilst Whitehouse understands the needs to keep businesses afloat, and the difficult decisions this will entail, she also believes they shouldn’t take their eye off their most vulnerable workers.

This is in step with a lot of contemporary HR thinking. Kevin Green and Josh Bersin, widely considered thought leaders in the HR space, believe that it is by looking after and focussing on people businesses will get through this period – which includes ensuring that engagement and inclusivity schemes are maintained.