As most people are aware, March 21 marked Harmony Day, a globally recognised day to celebrate and promote inclusivity, diversity, harmony and respect, with schools, workplaces and other organisations holding events in recognition of the diverse backgrounds of those in our local communities.
Here at EES, we like to take things one step further, which is why we hosted ‘A Taste of Harmony’ throughout the entire month of March, celebrating the rich cultural backgrounds of our team through the great social medium that is food.
Staff were invited to bring in dishes that reflected their cultural origins, which included culinary delights from France, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Wales, England, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico and, of course, Greece.
Among the dishes shared were Sicilian cannoli, Pithiviers (or King’s Cake) from France, traditional Welsh stew known as Cawl, Welsh cakes, the Australian kids’ party staple fairy bread, Stag Chilli, the polarizing Scottish Haggis and of course, a traditional lamb souvlaki.
Food is so much more than just a meal, it’s a gateway into the cultural background and experiences of people, and we were able to learn more about our team through the family memories and stories attached to certain dishes, traditional customs and in some cases, family recipes passed down through generations.
If there is any industry that is a true reminder of the diversity that exists around the world, it must be freight and logistics.
On any given day we are connected to people from all walks of life, with varied backgrounds and cultures, whether they be clients, suppliers or industry colleagues and stakeholders.
It is through the diversity of our industry that we have been able to continue to progress, sharing knowledge, expertise and experience. We’ve built strong relationships with different countries which play out in the form of global shipping lanes, free trade agreements and various other trade opportunities.
The overall theme for Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs’ and this is inherently true within freight and logistics.
Our industry is better and all the more powerful for the connection, cooperation and cultural understanding of those working within it. The global nature of freight and logistics means diversity isn’t a buzzword, it’s quite literally the backbone of how we operate.
‘A Taste of Harmony’ was more than just sharing a meal with a workmate, it was an ongoing reminder that behind every dish is a family story, a cultural experience that shapes who we are, both as individuals and as a team.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
