International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)’s Post

The 2024 #ParisOlympics has set a new standard in social procurement, demonstrating the impact that can be achieved when businesses embrace social enterprises. These Games exemplify how the social and solidarity economy can be integrated into global events, making a lasting impression beyond the sporting arena. With 500 social enterprises delivering 750 procurement contracts —ranging from creating eco-friendly seating to managing athlete laundry services—Paris 2024 has proven that involving social enterprises in supply chains is not only possible but also highly beneficial. These enterprises are doing far more than providing a service; they’re leading the charge towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For businesses of all sizes, this is a watershed moment. The #Olympics have highlighted how social procurement is a super powerful and strategic opportunity to innovate, create value, and contribute to solving some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. At SAP, our social procurement strategy aligns closely with this ethos. We empower social enterprises to enter new B2B markets, through the #SAP Business Network. In addition, we advocate for supportive policies and invest in these organizations through both financial and non-financial resources, allowing us to actively contribute to a sustainable and inclusive economy. As Muhammad Yunus eloquently said, the Games are more meaningful when they contribute to finding solutions for the planet’s problems. We can all learn from this approach. By welcoming social enterprises into our supply chains, we not only support those who are often marginalized, but we also enhance our own business resilience and sustainability—principles that are at the core of SAP’s mission to "Help the World Run Better". Just as Paris 2024 has integrated social enterprises into its framework, SAP has prioritized its inclusion, believing that investing in social procurement delivers shared value for SAP, its customers, and the world. Let’s take inspiration from the Olympics and champion the cause of social procurement—because when businesses and social enterprises win, we all win. To read more about how the Olympics are setting this new standard, you can read the full article in Pioneers Post: https://lnkd.in/eESTdDB4 #SocialProcurement #Sustainability #InclusiveEconomy #Olympics2024 #BusinessInnovation Paris 2024 - Comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de 2024

In tandem with the ongoing Wellness Festival, here’s a recap of the Wellness Open Innovation Challenge (WOIC) organised by Enterprise Singapore. The WOIC has catalysed partnerships between solution providers and established corporations, seeding the co-development of impactful solutions to revolutionise the wellness economy locally and globally. Enterprise Singapore successfully brought together 6 innovation-driven corporates in their first-ever WOIC run: - Changi Airport Group - Climb Asia Group - KC Group of Companies - Senses International Pte Ltd - Shiseido - True Group These demand drivers shared 8 challenge statements across 3 wellness themes, namely, fitness, personal care, and travel, offering cash prizes and pilot opportunities. In total, we received 60 applications from both local and overseas start-ups and solution providers. We are heartened by the first WOIC marking a significant step forward in elevating enterprises’ value propositions and capturing emerging business prospects in the booming wellness industry. It is our hope that such meaningful collaborations would continue to be pivotal in driving innovation within the wellness industry. A big thank you to all our demand drivers and applicants for participating in the Wellness Open Innovation Challenge. For more information on upcoming open innovation challenges, click here: https://lnkd.in/gnFM-vb #Innovation #WellnessInnovation #WellnessFestival2024 #FutureOfWellness #OpenInnovationChallenge #WellnessOpenInnovationChallenge2023 #WOIC2023 #Partnerships #Collaborations

🌟 Finding Joy and Growth Through Volunteering 🌟 As a volunteer and active participant in Female Ventures Ventures, I’m constantly reminded of how rewarding it is to be part of such an inspiring community. Last week’s session, Designing a Life We Love at the Monthly Networking Drinks in Delft, was yet another powerful experience that brought me so much joy and mindfulness. Guided by the incredible Adis Sophie Frémont, Sarlani , founder of Beyond Boundaries, we explored the transformative DesigningYourLife (DYL) methodology. This approach, which helps align our energy and focus to create a balanced and fulfilling personal and professional life, deeply resonated with me. Many of us are on a journey to discover our own path, build our strength, and find clarity, and this session provided invaluable tools to do just that. 💡 Reflection: What stood out to me most is how important it is to pause, reflect, and intentionally design the life we truly want. This session reminded me of the power of community and the value of taking small but impactful steps toward personal growth. The atmosphere in the beautiful Hotel Arsenaal by WestCord Hotels was electric. Connecting with like-minded women from various industries, sharing experiences, and forming new relationships always leaves me inspired and motivated. A big thank you to Polina Nasedkina for capturing the essence of the evening so beautifully through her video work! To everyone who missed it—don’t worry! More inspiring events are on the horizon. In the meantime, I highly recommend exploring Adis Sophie Frémont’s work at Beyond Boundaries and diving into the DYL framework yourself. 🌟 Let’s keep designing lives we love! 🌟 #FemaleVentures #community #volunteering #designingyourlife #mindfulness #networking #growth #femaleempowerment #Delft #TheHague

We can incorporate few learnings from Puri Jaganath Happy Ratha Yatra into our corporate culture and organisation can create a positive work environment that promotes inclusivity, effective planning, resilience, adaptability, and community engagement. 1. Inclusivity: The Ratha Yatra festival is open to people from all walks of life, irrespective of their caste, creed, or background. Similarly, in corporate culture, fostering inclusivity and diversity can lead to a more innovative and dynamic work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 2. Planning and Execution: The successful organization of the Ratha Yatra requires meticulous planning and flawless execution. Similarly, in a corporate setting, effective planning and execution of strategies, projects, and tasks are crucial for achieving organizational goals and success. 3. Resilience and Adaptability: The chariots in the Ratha Yatra face various obstacles and challenges during the procession, yet they continue their journey with resilience and adaptability. In the corporate world, embracing change, being resilient in the face of challenges, and adapting to new situations are essential qualities for success. 4. Community Engagement: The Ratha Yatra is a community celebration that brings people together in a spirit of unity and joy. In a corporate culture, fostering a sense of community and engagement among employees can lead to increased motivation, productivity, and overall happiness in the workplace. #RathaYatraCelebration #CorporateCultureInspiration #InclusivityInBusiness #ResilienceAndAdaptability #WorkplaceCommunityEngagement

📣2024 DIAN Japan Community Event – Driving Organisational Success through DE&I 📆 Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2024 | Tokyo, Japan 🗣️ Languages: Japanese with English translations available 👉Learn more about the DIAN Network: https://ow.ly/Z7FI50SQZt8 --------- In Japan, human capital systems and organizational culture are evolving to address employee needs, demographic shifts, and global market influences. Companies must adopt innovative ways to acquire and retain talent to remain competitive in today's market. Mark your calendars for the second hybrid Japan Community Event on 28 August 2024, for all DIAN members, community partners and invited guests based in Tokyo. The event will be held in-person at our DIAN member EY’s Tokyo office. Join for an engaging panel discussion: 🔄 How HR systems have evolved to adapt to demographic shifts and the global market 📈 The importance of addressing the evolving needs of the workforce ✅ Actionable takeaways for driving organizational success through DE&I Community Events present an exciting opportunity for DIAN members to connect and learn from each other. Invited guests will have the chance to hear more about Community Business and engage with our team and network of members 📩 Are you interested in joining the Japan community event? Reach out to our team at [email protected] #IMPACTxAsia #DIAN2024 #SocialImpact #DEI #Diversity #Inclusion #Equity #Belonging #OrganizationalCulture #EmployeeEngagement #GlobalWorkforce #HumanCapital #HRInnovation #TalentManagement #CommunityBusiness

We’re honoured to welcome an incredible lineup of inspirational speakers at the Inclusive Workplaces Summit. Each of them brings a unique story of resilience, passion, and strength, showing us what’s possible when we push boundaries and pursue our dreams. Their journeys remind us of the power of dedication and the importance of inclusion. We’re proud to host them and can’t wait to be inspired by their remarkable achievements. * Ahmed Mehaya, Operations Manager at Proxy Medical Trading, special needs advisor, person of determination and Inclusive Padel Tournament player * Nadi Choueiri, DJ, producer and audio engineer and person of determination *Noura F., Administrator, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and POD speaker @conradetihadtowers * Aarti Shah, Bollywood actress and Powerlifter This is just a glimpse of the more than 50 inspiring speakers who will be sharing their powerful stories and insights at the Inclusive Workplaces Summit. Stay tuned for the full speaker lineup, as we continue to share more incredible stories and insights. Taking place in Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination مؤسسة زايد العليا لأصحاب الهمم New Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi from 19 - 21 November, the Summit is all about embracing diversities and disabilities, and breaking taboos. It aims to foster inclusive workplaces for POD and employees who are parents of POD. Registration to attend each of the three days for free can be found at https://hubs.li/Q02XvlDp0 , along with the agenda. #disabilityvisibility #peopleofdeterminationuae #disabilityemployment #disabilityisnotinability #inclusivework #inclusiveworkplaces

#presentation #recreationconference2024 I am always keen to raise awareness that nothing is ever “easy as” when it comes to understanding people’s lives in a different cultural context. It has been well-studied that ethnic groups commonly face more constraints when participating in outdoor recreation, with cultural factors being among the most noticeable causes. The same goes for Chinese students. In addition to the constraints discussed in previous studies, they also display an ideational cultural constraint. This constraint is a comprehensive self-interpretation of all the cultural inconsistencies they encounter in local outdoor recreation. This ideational constraint doesn't exhibit causal power over their participation but rather creates a cultural division on outdoor recreation, like the Chinese way of outdoor recreation vs the Kiwi way of outdoor recreation. However, this division will lead to different sets of constraints depending on whether it is the Chinese way or the Kiwi way. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "好山好水好无聊—pretty mountains, pretty rivers, pretty boring" is a popular saying among Chinese people living in a different cultural environment. Here, it describes a state of being where, despite acknowledging all the merits, one can still feel culturally distanced in outdoor recreation as a newcomer. “Pretty boring” isn’t a criticism; it’s more a bit of self-deprecating humour from the perspective of a spectator who simply can’t connect with it. An ideational barrier exists between “ours” and “theirs.”

🌟 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧! 🌟   After a well-deserved summer break, the team at 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐤𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 in action – recharged, refreshed, and ready to help businesses and talent thrive across Europe! 🌍💼 This year, however, our return feels even more exciting as we reflect on the incredible impact of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. 🇫🇷🏅   While the Olympic torch has been extinguished, its effect on France's economy and work culture is just beginning to unfold. The Games didn’t just unite athletes from around the world; they also sparked unprecedented opportunities for cross-border recruitment, creating a lasting influence on businesses across multiple sectors.   ✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐎𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞✨ The Olympic Games fostered a sense of global unity, and this spirit has extended into the business world. French companies are now more open than ever to cross-cultural collaboration, bringing in talent from diverse backgrounds to drive innovation and creativity. This trend aligns perfectly with Batka International's expertise in transborder recruitment, where we specialize in matching businesses with professionals who can seamlessly integrate into different work cultures, adding value to both the company and the team. At 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐤𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, we’re excited to continue helping businesses seize these opportunities, matching them with the right talent to fuel their growth. Our expertise in cross-border recruitment enables us to support companies in navigating this new landscape, ensuring they remain competitive by finding the best professionals from across Europe. Ready to talk about your next development at the international level? 💼🚀🌍   #BatkaInternational #PostOlympics #CrossBorderRecruitment #BusinessGrowth #BackToBusiness #France #TransborderTalent #GlobalOpportunities #WorkCulture #Paris2024 #OlympicImpact

🌍 Embracing Inclusivity: Lessons from the Paris 2024 Olympics 🏅 Celebrating the diverse talents at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to the power of inclusivity. As we witness athletes from around the world breaking barriers, it's a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity in our workplaces. Let's take a page from the Olympics and pledge to cultivate inclusivity in our remote work settings. Here are some key ways to champion diversity and inclusivity in our virtual environments: 🌐 **Celebrate Diversity:** Embrace the unique backgrounds and perspectives of your colleagues, recognizing how diversity fuels innovation and enriches our work. 💬 **Open Communication:** Foster an environment where every voice is valued. Encourage open and respectful dialogue, creating space for ideas and feedback to flow freely. 🌱 **Flexible Practices:** Adapt your work approach to accommodate diverse needs. Whether through flexible schedules or communication styles, a touch of flexibility can make a significant difference. 🤝 **Support and Allyship:** Stand in solidarity with your colleagues. Support their growth and well-being, and actively combat discrimination and exclusion in all forms. Let's rally together like nations at the Olympics to foster a more inclusive and supportive remote work culture. By uniting around these principles, we can strive for greatness collectively! 🌟 #Paris2024 #Inclusivity #RemoteWork #Diversity #WorkplaceCulture #TeamSpirit

One of my objectives for attending my first IGLTA Global Convention, was to explore the pivotal intersection of LGBTQ+ inclusivity and sustainable tourism. Whether it’s ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), the 3P (Planet, People, Prosperity) model, or the 4C (Community, Culture, Commerce, Conservation) approach, the “social” or “people” pillar is about the empowerment of all individuals and communities, including marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community. The IGLTA Global Convention, in partnership with the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau , provided an inclusive platform for LGBTQ+-welcoming buyers, suppliers, media professionals, and tourism leaders to connect, learn, and create meaningful change. Two key takeaways stood out to me: 👉 Economic growth doesn’t guarantee social equality. During the panel “Exploring Social Inclusion in Asia-Pacific,” supported by Asian Development Bank (ADB), speakers emphasized that economic advancement alone is not a panacea for equality. As demonstrated by Taiwan, Thailand, and Nepal, while less economically developed than Japan, these nations are trailblazers in LGBTQ+ legal rights and inclusivity in Asia-Pacific. This underscores the need for intentional policies and cultural openness to advance social progress, beyond just economic gains. 👉 Sports tourism as a catalyst for change. Lisa Lam, Co-Chair of Gay Games 11 Hong Kong, during her presentation, highlighted how inclusive events drive both economic impact and cultural transformation. Sports tourism has the power to foster visibility, allyship, and acceptance, where every athlete and fan feels safe, celebrated, and empowered. Learn more about these insights and more in the article I wrote for Asia Sustainable Travel (AST): https://lnkd.in/gw7PczVF Thanks to IGLTA for the invitation and to the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau for being a truly welcoming host. Special thanks to Hotel New Otani Osaka, whose generous sponsorship made AST’s attendance possible. Located near the iconic Osaka Castle Park, this remarkable property embodies not only offers a sweeping view of the iconic 16th-century Osaka Castle, but also embodies the harmony of heritage and hospitality. LoAnn Halden | John Tanzella | Allison Mazzeo | Jonathan Lucas | Raj Tamang He/Him/His | Uwern Jong | Clark Massad | Mohamed Amine Gabbouj | Joel Alexander Díaz Barros