Once again, European Diversity Month is being celebrated throughout the European Union, an initiative that seeks to promote diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and across society. This year, the European Commission’s campaign is focusing on mental health and well-being at work and, given the current context, also on defending diversity and inclusion values.
FC Barcelona is firmly committed to upholding these values within the club and its working environment, and it applies a range of measures and actions that reflect this vision in its day-to-day operations. Last September, it organised a talk for its employees on “Gender and Mental Health” together with Obertament, an organisation that fights the stigma surrounding mental health. The aim was to raise awareness of the importance of mental well-being in professional settings and to foster equality within the club’s corporate culture.
Inclusion and well-being
For FC Barcelona, the well-being of its staff is essential, as is their alignment with the club’s values, which emphasise the inclusion of every form of diversity. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department, working alongside other areas of the club, continues to promote inclusive communication, recognition of each person’s uniqueness and greater accessibility. This month provides an opportunity to highlight the benefits of these values in every sphere.
Awareness work
More activities will soon be undertaken to create an even more inclusive environment. Among the standout events are several sensory-awareness experiences for the club’s management team. In addition, an interactive game will test employees’ knowledge of LGTBI-related diversity.
The Inclusive and Non-Sexist Communication Guide is also being expanded into English and Spanish to ensure the club conveys the same values in every language.
Accessibility
In terms of accessibility, the club is making progress hand-in-hand with Ilunion, the accessibility consultancy of the ONCE charity organisation. In May 2024, the two parties signed an agreement to promote accessibility in Espai Barça, and this advisory work has now been extended to the rest of the club’s facilities. Regarding digital accessibility, the club is rolling out training and improvements so that all its digital assets become more accessible to everyone.
FC Barcelona is continuing earlier initiatives such as its membership of Apropa Cultura, an inclusive network of cultural programmers who work together to grant vulnerable people easier access to culture through social-sector organisations. Each year, more than 4,000 people enjoy the Barça Immersive Tour, as well as Quieter Hours, when visitors can tour the museum and store in a more relaxed setting.
Barça Genuine Foundation
The Barça Foundation team currently leads LaLiga Genuine Santander and is training hard for the decisive phase of the competition, which will take place in Bilbao in the last weekend of May.
This squad of 31 men and women with intellectual disabilities, whose social goal is integration and inclusion, has a special connection with other club teams. Earlier this May, women’s first-team goalkeeper Cata Coll succeeded Mapi León as a Barça Foundation ambassador, together with Pedri. Before them, the team’s ambassadors also included Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati from the women's team and Sergi Roberto, Gerard Piqué and Ronald Araujo from the men.