Face to face with inclusivity
Meet five passionate RXers who are leading the charge to make our workplace more welcoming, connected, and compassionate for everyone.
Jana is intuitively a people person, who loves making connections, be that within our sales team, with her customers and within the RX community in Richmond. Welcoming new team members and helping them navigate their journey within RX is something she is particularly passionate about.
Making everyone feel welcome
For me, working in an inclusive environment is essential,” she explained. “I can relate to the times when I was starting a new job, entering a new school, or stepping into unfamiliar territory; in those moments, all we want is to feel welcomed and that we belong. That’s why I make a conscious effort to create that space for others.”
When she meets new colleagues at RX, Jana makes a genuine effort to understand not only their perspective but also their background, culture, and experiences. “I also try to help them navigate our systems and training sessions, which is another way to ensure their smooth integration into our company culture,” she said. “Inclusion, to me, starts with being accessible, approachable, and friendly, helping others settle in as quickly and comfortably as possible.”
In sales, Jana’s inclusive mindset is a real advantage, helping her to build trust and make sure her clients feel understood and supported. “When I put myself in a client’s position, I think about what they truly want to gain from exhibiting at this show,” she revealed. “What matters most to me is that they see I’m not just selling a product, but helping them maximise their investment, not just financially, but also in terms of the time and energy they’re putting in. That’s why I focus on offering tools, strategies, and options that bring real value to their participation. When they recognize that their success is at the core of what I do, that’s when the relationship becomes more than transactional; it becomes a partnership.”
Reflecting more widely on the inclusive culture across RX, Jana said: “From the very first day, being included in the RX family has been a transformative experience for me. RX is actively committed to being more inclusive, and I can see it. Different cultures and backgrounds bring fresh perspectives, new ways of thinking, and innovative approaches, making our environment richer and more dynamic for all.”
Janaina Brevilheri, Account Manager, UK
SEKAHIRA is a project conceived and initiated by Hiroko Higuchi in Japan which seeks to ‘Open up the World’ for her colleagues, both inside and outside the office, by facilitating personal interactions among employees and engaging with the local community.
Opening up the world
“In most workplaces, it's hard to connect across different roles," explained Hiroko. "SEKAHIRA creates space for employees to bond over shared hobbies and interests. These personal connections, though seemingly unrelated to work, are the foundation of strong business relationships. Casual conversations can grow into networks and even spark new business ideas."
For example, SEKAHIRA Talks has brought colleagues together to discuss everything from theme parks to health and wellbeing. The SEKAHIRA Futsal team recently won a building-wide tournament. And "SEKAHIRA Events" are designed to be family-friendly, allowing employees' family and friends to visit the office – a summer festival-theme party is currently in the planning.
Among numerous SEKAHIRA community inclusion projects Hiroko is particularly proud of the ‘Elementary School Exhibition Tour.’ “When we relocated our office in 2023, we were looking for ways to engage with the local community,” she explained. “We came up with the idea of a social studies field trip for an elementary school located within the same building as RX Japan, inviting them to visit our exhibitions. They loved the idea, seeing it as an excellent opportunity for the children to broaden their perspectives by interacting with the many diverse companies and exhibits.”
Thirty-one third-grade students (aged 9-10) visited Food Tech Week/Drink JAPAN and toured the exhibition halls at Tokyo Big Sight with approximately 20 RX volunteers, engaging with exhibitors and completing fun 'missions.' Each RXer used their own expertise – whether in planning or on-site support – which also had a positive impact internally within RX.
“It had a revitalising effect, offering employees an opportunity to re-examine their own work and the exhibitions through the curious eyes of children,” revealed Hiroko. “It also enriched the image of exhibitions, a space typically reserved for adults, with many exhibitors commenting on the unique atmosphere created by the inclusion of the children.”
Next up is an environmentally focused activity – a visit to a vineyard in Yamanashi Prefecture to gain hands-on experience in grape cultivation, agricultural practice and sustainable initiatives.
“SEKAHIRA is open to all employees, who can sign up for any activity. Not only does it foster communication through shared interests but is also allows individual employees to express their own areas of expertise and style,” stressed Hiroko. “After all, inclusivity is all about strengthening mutual understanding and respect.”
Hiroko Higuchi, Senior Specialist, Corporate Branding, Japan
Inclusion isn’t just about big initiatives, asserts Hyunsu Chung, it’s in the everyday actions we take. “Focus on being genuinely inclusive in everything you do,” he advised. “Listen to others’ experiences, educate yourself about different perspectives, and challenge your assumptions.”
Hyunsu sits on the Inclusion Committee for RX’s APAC region, which advocates for respect and inclusion, whilst making sure everyone has the support they need to thrive.
Challenging everyday assumptions
Inclusion isn’t just about big initiatives, asserts Hyunsu Chung, it’s in the everyday actions we take. “Focus on being genuinely inclusive in everything you do,” he advised. “Listen to others’ experiences, educate yourself about different perspectives, and challenge your assumptions.”
Hyunsu sits on the Inclusion Committee for RX’s APAC region, which advocates for respect and inclusion, whilst making sure everyone has the support they need to thrive.
“One of the first things I worked on when I joined last year was launching an Employee Resource Group (ERG) called "Generations" in Korea. The goal was to bridge the gap between different generations in the workplace and create a platform for listening to different perspectives to improve our work environment. It’s been really exciting to see the impact.”
The ERG gives colleagues a safe space to share their challenges and ideas, encourages participation in CSR events, and opens up networking opportunities between different teams in RX’s Korea office. “Overall, it’s helping us build a stronger, more inclusive workplace,” he said.
In addition to ‘Generations’, Hyunsu has also been involved in introducing sessions about gender equality and LGBTQIA+ awareness. “In Korea, such concepts aren’t as widely discussed, so we wanted to start raising awareness,” he explained. “The response has been really positive. It’s been great to see people start engaging in important conversations and become more open-minded.”
Reflecting on his inclusive nature, Hyunsu said: “I’ve always been passionate about creating change. I enjoy learning new things and love sharing what I learn with others. Embracing inclusion allows us to see things from different perspectives, which is so valuable, not just for our workplace, but also for how we serve our customers. It’s about making a better workplace for everyone.”
Hyunsu Chung, Sales Representative, Korea
Debbie McManus serves as the Education and Events Co-Chair for RX USA’s Pride ERG (Employee Resource Group), where she works tirelessly with her team to organise events that foster inclusivity in the office and the wider community.
Taking pride in community action
“I was inspired to get involved with the ERG by the powerful truth that support saves lives,” she said. “According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. But having just one accepting adult can reduce that risk by 40%. Regardless of political or religious beliefs, we each have a responsibility to be empathetic. Showing up, speaking out, and choosing compassion helps create a culture where everyone feels safe. At the end of the day, it’s our shared humanity that makes empathy so powerful.”
Beyond her role in RX Pride, Debbie is actively involved in RX Cares, our global community programme which supports employee volunteering and charitable giving.
“What inspires me to get involved is the chance to give back in ways that create real, human connection,” she explained. “For over 10 years, I’ve organised a day-long holiday event at a local low-income senior home—an annual tradition that means a lot to me and, even more, to the residents who look forward to it all year long. Each year, more RX volunteers join in, and it’s incredibly heartwarming to see the joy and meaningful conversations that unfold.”
One year in particular stands out for Debbie. “Two of our employees sang carols to a resident in the hospice who, just the year before, had proudly serenaded us with Frank Sinatra,” she revealed. “As they sang, he had tears in his eyes—it’s a moment I’ll never forget. His wife later told us it meant the world to him. He passed away just days later. Many of these seniors are often overlooked, and it’s powerful to see our team show up with kindness, compassion, and a willingness to listen. That’s the heart of RX Cares—and why I keep coming back.
Earlier this year, Debbie had the opportunity to attend the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality 100 event in New York City, where RX was honoured as a member. The event celebrated a century of progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and recognised companies that are actively advancing equality.
“Being surrounded by so many passionate advocates and allies was a powerful reminder of the change we can create when we stand together,” she said. “Recently, I’ve become involved with my town’s Pride group, and it’s been empowering to see so many opportunities to build relationships and join efforts to support the broader community. Every day, these connections motivate me to keep moving forward and to continue being a light ̶ even in a world that can sometimes feel very dark.”
Debbie McManus, Sales Executive, USA
As HR Manager for RX France, Sophie Chalmin is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. In particular, her passion for disability inclusion is transforming not just the company but the lives of those within it.
Driving disability inclusion
“Inclusion has always been close to my heart. Everyone deserves to feel supported and valued in the workplace, and I believe creating an inclusive environment is key to achieving that,” she said. “At RX France, we’ve made huge strides, but there’s always more we can do to ensure everyone can thrive.”
One of the initiatives Sophie is most proud of is launching RX France’s Enabled ERG (Employee Resource Group). “It all started with a passion to make a difference,” she explained. “I gathered a great group of volunteers who were just as committed to the cause, and we partnered with AGEFIPH, an incredible organisation in France focused on disability inclusion. Together, we’ve been able to develop structured initiatives to support employees with disabilities and foster a culture where everyone feels empowered.”
The ERG has taken several steps to raise awareness about disabilities, from conducting internal audits and surveys to gauge where we stand, to organising workshops, creating action plans and distributing flyers to help employees understand how they can contribute to a more inclusive workplace. “It’s all about making inclusion a shared responsibility and ensuring that education and accountability remain central to our efforts,” said Sophie.
One of the most impactful experiences for Sophie personally was volunteering at the Paris Paralympic Games. “It gave me the chance to connect with the disability community on a deeper level and learn so much,” she revealed. “I brought that experience back to RX France by organising a company-wide conference with leaders from Paralympic Club France. We had some amazing discussions about accessibility and how we can do better.”
Asked for her advice on creating a more inclusive workplace, Sophie said: ““Start small but stay consistent. Building an inclusive environment doesn’t happen overnight, but every step, no matter how small, makes a difference. Listen to others, educate yourself, and make inclusion a shared responsibility across your organisation. Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.”
Sophie Chalmin, HR Manager, France
