The small things that matter.
Enterprise branch manager Natalie Downing-Knowles shares her thoughts on the small things that matter to her as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, both at work and in her personal life.
In regard to my professional life the small things that matter:
“From day one as part of my induction I was asked what my 5 year plan looked like, not just for work but also personally. This gave me the opportunity to open up about my life outside work and discuss my plan to propose and build a life with my partner. Within two weeks of this conversation i was asked to join the LGBTQ+ Committee and also attend the local Pride event, with my partner.”
“During LGBT History Month our group in the UK held several different events on each given Friday to raise money for the LGBTQ+ community and the LGBTQ+ Foundation. We are did events such as ‘Glow up your branches’, ‘Bake off Friday’ and ‘Dress down for Pronouns’. This allowed us to organise these fundraising events but also seeing how every branch and senior leader across our group got involved was really heartwarming and encouraging for equality and inclusion on the workplace.”
In regard to my personal life the small things that matter:
“I recently got married! I feel extremely privileged that we are able to legally marry, after this not being possible for so many people. I feel blessed that people have protested for us to have this moment. I think when you go through the organising process and you are reaching out to venues, suppliers & registrars there is always that sense of ‘what if they're not ok with it being a wedding for two women'?’. It’s safe to say that we did our research for LGBTQ+ friendly EVERYTHING. I honestly believe that the little touches that these businesses did to accommodate us and make us feel 100% accepted throughout the entire process should be commended!”
You can hear more about these in the latest episode of the Proud To Be Queer podcast here.
ABOUT NATALIE
As a long-standing member of the LGBTQ+ community Natalie found herself searching for a company that would accept, nurture, and develop her, not only as a person but as a professional. Enterprise is an extremely diverse and inclusive employer, whose founding values have helped them create a truly inclusive and supportive environment. This supportive environment allows her to create change in the workplace and beyond on a daily basis. Over the past 4 years, she has had many opportunities to influence and educate her peers and her senior leaders on the importance of equality and inclusion for progress, to which she is grateful. As she progresses throughout the next stages of her career, she aspires to become a mentor and role model to women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, with the aim to inspire the next generation. For Natalie, ‘Seeing is believing’.
ABOUT ENTERPRISE
Enterprise started life as a small family business in 1957. Now it’s grown to be the largest global mobility provider in the world, with 10,000 branches globally, an annual turnover of more than $23.9 billion and the biggest rental vehicle fleet on the planet. We recognise that no two people share the same combination of background, culture, abilities, and values - and we think that’s wonderful. We put a high value on diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can be their best.
Enterprise have sponsored the ‘Community Group of the Year’ award for the last three years.