The coronavirus has a major impact on businesses and employees. Many employers are worried about the survival of their businesses and employees are uncertain about their jobs. Many sectors in Amsterdam are also experiencing adverse effects from this crisis.
STRUCTURAL ATTENTION TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are issues under pressure in times of crisis. The challenge is to keep using the added value of diversity. We are convinced that D&I can show their added value just now. Together we can come up with creative solutions to get through this period. To continue to support you, we collect and share good examples. A tour of various parties in and outside the city reveals that despite the crisis, entrepreneurs are not losing their innovative spirit and are jointly looking for creative solutions.
BE READY FOR ENTREPRENEURS
A number of stakeholders of Amsterdam – Diverse & Inclusive are busy offering support to businesses:
- Ondernemend Amsterdam (ORAM) has created a LinkedIn group for the support and better interconnection of entrepreneurs. Also, ORAM implemented a regular conference call with a group of members. This is where knowledge, insights and tips are shared.
- MKB Amsterdam is asking entrepreneurs what they are currently up against and where the platform may be able to help. Need advice? Then email the president of MKB Amsterdam, Bart Drenth. This week on the YouTube channel MKB-TV, Mayor Halsema will talk about the Corona crisis and SMEs in the city.
- To support employers who employ or want to employ people with a labor limitation, a toolbox “Corona and Job Agreement” has been set up by VNO-NCW, MKB Nederland and LTO Neder-land.
- Martin van der Beek, quartermaster of inclusion & job creation at De Nederlandsche Bank, talks about what we can learn from hearing-impaired people in times of crisis in his blog.
Entrepreneurs are now discovering new forms of online communication: consultations via Zoom or Skype, work sessions via LinkedIn or Instagram. Even a movie can be made online.
What lessons do we retain after the crisis? Under the hashtag #NaCorona, entrepreneurs, researchers and others share inspiring activities and discuss the Netherlands after the crisis.
WHAT DOES THE CRISIS MEAN FOR AMSTERDAM – DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE?
There are no meetings until June 1. Behind the scenes, however, our work continues. In doing so, we are in regular contact with the business community. We are currently informing you through this new digital platform. On this platform you will find answers to your questions about diversity and inclusion. You will meet other employers who are investing in this.
Thus, we are remote but still connected.e invest in this.