Belonging in Action :
Belonging across languages and cultures: practical ways to build inclusive workplaces
In collaboration with the City of Vantaa
💛 Come as you are — that's really what this evening is about. For another year, MiB is opening the doors to a warm, honest conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what it truly takes for people to feel like they belong at work.
Grab a seat, something to snack on, and settle in alongside others who care about the same things you do. Whether you're here to learn, to share your own experience, or simply to be part of a community that gets it — you're in the right place. 🤝
What we'll explore together
- Unlocking potential — how companies are learning to harness the full strength of a multilingual, multicultural workforce, turning language diversity and cross-cultural perspective into a genuine business advantage rather than a barrier to manage around
- Psychological safety — what it really takes to help someone feel safe enough to speak up, ask questions, or disagree in a language or communication style that isn't their default — and why that safety looks different depending on someone's cultural norms around hierarchy, directness, and voice
- Community & belonging — building a sense of home not just for employees navigating a new language or culture, but for their families too, who are often adjusting alongside them without the same built-in support system
- Moving past bias — everyday practices that create more inclusive workplaces by addressing accent bias, communication-style assumptions, and cultural miscommunication head-on — rethinking how we run meetings, give feedback, and evaluate "fit" so language and culture stop being invisible barriers to belonging
The evening 🎤
An evening of keynote and panel discussion, with light snacks and good company to keep you comfortable throughout.
The details 📅
- Date — Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Time — 16:30–18:00 — an after-work gathering
- Location — Martinus House of Culture (Martinlaaksontie 36 A, 01620 Vantaa)
- Childcare — We know it matters 💚 limited childcare will be available
Getting there 🚆
Martinus House of Culture sits in Martinlaakso with good transport connections — Martinlaakso train station is just a 10-minute walk from the House of Culture.
- From Tikkurila station: Bus 571 or the I train
- From Helsinki Central Railway Station: Bus 400 or the P train
Parking 🅿️
The Martinus House of Culture has a parking garage for about 80 cars (entrance from the other end of the house), plus additional space in the parking lot in the lower yard. Parking is free and no parking disc is needed.
Grow professionally and participate in our events with your child in tow! Children are always warmly welcome to MiB events. Some of our events may have participant restrictions due to the size of the venue. You can always participate with your baby, even if you are unable to register for a mother-child spot. Please be aware that strollers may not fit inside the venue.
