At Sage, Pride Is Always in Practice. We Turn Support into Everyday Action

I’ve been thinking about the kind of environment we’re creating for our LGBTQ+ colleagues at Sage.

Helen Baker, Senior Global DEI Director

For many people, Pride is a time of reflection and celebration. And in some parts of the world, there has been real progress in rights and visibility. But in others, rights are being challenged, and the wider environment feels harder to navigate. I know from personal experience that this kind of uncertainty can be deeply unsettling - creating anxiety, and in some cases feeling devastating for people and their families.

At Sage, I want LGBTQ+ colleagues to feel that our support is real - not just stated, but visible in everyday working life. We want everyone to feel safe, seen and for no one to feel they need to hide part of who they are.

Pride in Practice

Our theme this year is Pride in Practice. It’s about the everyday actions that make inclusion real.

This is a moment to think about how we’re showing up for each other. It’s also a chance to ask whether our day-to-day actions match what we say. People can tell the difference between support that’s stated and support they actually experience.

Our ongoing commitment

We continue to build on the support, resources and partnerships that help make inclusion more real for LGBTQ+ colleagues across Sage.

We’ve made progress over time, through things like executive sponsorship, Pride Networks in multiple countries and stronger internal resources and policies. We’ve also seen a growing awareness and use of personal pronouns, alongside wellbeing support for LGBTQ+ colleagues, through our partners such as Cleo and International SOS. The work is never done, but it does matter that our support is visible in practice.

Pride Month is important, but what makes the biggest difference is what colleagues experience the rest of the year - through the decisions we make, the support we put in place, and whether people genuinely feel safe being themselves at work.

What Pride in Practice looks like

• If you’re wondering what Pride in Practice looks like day to day at Sage, it shows up in the practical ways we communicate, lead and create space for inclusion across the business: Colleagues can build their understanding through our internal LGBTQ+ Hub, which brings together guidance, resources and colleague stories to support inclusion in day-to-day work.
• Colleagues can connect with their local Pride Network to listen, learn or get involved in ways that feel right for them.
• Leaders are encouraged to create space within their teams for open, respectful conversations where everyone feels able to be themselves.

I’m so passionate about my job and the workplace my team, our leaders and colleagues alike get to create where inclusion sits at the centre of its design, empowering colleagues to thrive in all the areas of their lives.

 I've been at Sage now about 29 years and have been in multiple different roles during that time. I met my wife here at Sage. We've gone on to have children, and Sage has supported me through some of those big life milestones. You can read more of my story here: A 28-Year Journey of Inclusion with Helen Baker - VERCIDA.

By: Helen Baker, Senior Global DEI Director