KUALA LUMPUR – Forest Interactive advances it’s #ItEndsNow campaign to the next phase this year, fostering accountability among its talents to challenge discrimination and advance equity in the workplace, while partnering with leaders across the business community to accelerate this pursuit.
Our Workplace: Advancing Accountability
With talents of 18 different nationalities across 13 offices around the world, Forest Interactive has always been committed to building an inclusive culture for its diversified teams.
In June 2023, the organization engaged with Speak Up Malaysia to facilitate two training sessions focusing on anti-harassment and discrimination for talents at Forest Interactive. Led by Emellia Shariff, Managing Partner of Speak Up Malaysia, the training sessions included talents at all levels to learn how they can be the catalyst for inclusivity in the workplace.
The first workshop titled Managing Disagreements & Conflicts At The Workplace kicked off with Tips & Tricks to Having Difficult Conversations and proceeded with Conflict Resolution & De-Escalation Strategies, each session was followed by a group activity where talents could apply the skills learned during the seminars.
“In the first workshop, we unlocked a skill set that empowers us not only in our careers but also in our personal lives,” shared Ricky Iskandar, Corporate Communications Lead, Forest Interactive Indonesia. “These acquired abilities enable us to communicate more effectively, resolve disputes, and ultimately build stronger, more meaningful relationships not only in the workplace, but also with friends, family, and within our communities.”
The second workshop of Workplace Harassment & Discrimination focused on Understanding & Identifying Sexual Harassment, Understanding & Identifying Bullying, and Playing Your Part. The workshop concluded with a group simulation and reflection based on things that they learned during the sessions.
“The group activities and simulations in the workshops were invaluable. They allowed us to practice and internalize these essential skills, making us better equipped to address conflicts and injustices wherever they may arise,” added Alis Razman, Senior Graphic Designer at Forest Interactive. “I’m now committed to making the world a better place, one conversation at a time, by using our newfound skills to promote inclusivity in all aspects of our lives.”
Empowering Change: A Dynamic Roundtable with LeadWomen
In the same month, through one of our valuable partner institutions, LeadWomen, we joined a roundtable on the topic of Safe Workplaces. It provided an open platform for exchanging thoughts and insights on creating harassment-free workplaces. Members from various organizations shared their perspectives on how harassment is defined within their respective workplaces, the strategies implemented to prevent harassment, and the challenges faced in implementing these measures. This initiative underscores LeadWomen’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity, and gender equality in the corporate landscape.
Leading with Impact: Leader as a Coach
We also designed an exclusive ‘Leader as a Coach’ session for our esteemed management team. Twenty participants were empowered with advanced leadership and mentoring skills applicable across diverse domains, covering vital topics such as ‘The Coaching Mindset,’ ‘Building Trust Within Teams,’ ‘Asking Powerful Questions,’ ‘Mastering Active Listening,’ ‘Effective Feedback and Feedforward Techniques,’ and more. A dedicated WhatsApp group, guided by expert trainers, ensures continuous support, knowledge sharing, and resource distribution, while Learning Accountability Partners ensured and facilitated the application of workshop insights in real-world scenarios.
Participants can apply their newfound knowledge by mentoring their teams using the GROW model. A complimentary workshop on ‘Understanding DISC Personality Profiling for Better Engagement further encouraged management to pursue training and workshop opportunities, with future topics suggested by participants including Motivation, Management, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, and Financial Planning.
“These kinds of workshops are instrumental in reshaping our workplace dynamics. They help facilitate deeper connections, encourage inclusivity, and raise awareness about harassment and discrimination, ultimately creating a work environment where every individual’s input, regardless of their background, is valued and heard,” concludes Madelyn Gan, Brand Marketing Manager, Forest Interactive.
These initiatives further Forest Interactive’s efforts in educating and empowering talents at the workplace across all levels. Forest Interactive and its affiliated entities are resolute in advancing the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Johary Mustapha, reinforces our dedication to maintaining a harassment-free workplace and long-term commitment to making lasting changes within the company culture.
“Our efforts stand as a testament to our unyielding commitment to championing awareness, prevention, and support against harassment and discrimination within Forest Interactive,” he shares. “Our objective has always been to empower our employees to have awareness about harassment. We aspire to establish a strong support network among our talents, fostering a nurturing work environment where all can thrive. We take a steadfast stance against any form of discrimination, and we will never endorse or tolerate harassment in any shape or form. #ItEndsNow shall persist as a necessary advancement within our organization.”
Our Industry: The Ripple Effect
Forest Interactive’s partnership with leaders across the business community marks a significant milestone in its ongoing journey to pursue equity and shape an inclusive culture within and beyond its workplace.
To date, Forest Interactive has also amplified its commitments by endorsing the We Pledge program with Women’s Aid Organization and serving as a member of the pilot LeadWomen Equality at Work Corporate Community.
UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) also awarded Forest Interactive in the SDG Ambition Benchmark 1: Gender Balance at All Levels of Management category in December 2022.
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About Forest Interactive
Founded in 2006, Forest Interactive develops scalable mobile platforms to connect mobile operators with their subscribers. With over 17 years of industry experience, Forest Interactive has expanded to include a diverse workforce of 20+ nationalities in 14 regional offices.
Delivering content subscription services, service delivery platforms, digital vouchers, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps for all ages, Forest Interactive operates in more than 30+ countries, servicing 90+ mobile operators and 100+ content partners with the capacity to reach over one billion subscribers worldwide.
Visit forest-interactive.com to learn more.
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