At WTW, inclusion goes beyond something discussed in policies or town halls, here, it's experienced day by day. For one of our colleagues, inclusion is very real, very visible and comes with four legs and a wagging tail.
We spoke to Sharon Jay who works alongside an assistance dog out of our Ipswich office, in the U.K., to understand how support shows up in practice and why visible examples of inclusion matter more than ever.
For Sharon, inclusivity begins with something simple yet profound: being seen and understood as a whole person. As she explains, “To me, it’s about not being judged, and being seen as a whole person rather than my disability or culture.” For her, inclusion means shedding assumptions and recognizing that every colleague brings their own mix of experiences, strengths and perspectives to the workplace.
Her journey with inclusion has evolved over time, shaped in part by shifting attitudes and the impact of COVID in accelerating conversations and openness. “In the past it has caused issues,” Sharon shares, “but where I currently work at WTW, they have been nothing but supportive.” That sense of support has played a meaningful role in helping her feel she belongs and is valued.
A significant part of Sharon’s working life is her assistance dog, whose presence has transformed her day-to-day experience. “Amazing!!” she says. “No one sees me anymore: it’s all about her!” Beyond the humor, the shift highlights something important: how normalizing visible differences can break down barriers. Her dog has sparked conversations, encouraged curiosity and helped create a more relaxed, welcoming environment for everyone.
Reflecting on WTW’s broader approach to inclusion, Sharon notes how much things have changed. “Times and attitudes have changed. WTW is less conservative in their approach to people and that can only be a good thing.” For her, genuine inclusion isn’t about achieving perfection but about being open, listening and continuing to grow.
Visibility plays a vital role in that progress. Sharon hopes her experience helps others feel more comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. “I hope it allows others to know that being different is okay,” she says. When colleagues see inclusion in action, it can reassure them that they don’t have to hide parts of who they are to fit in.
For those seeking a more inclusive workplace, her advice is straightforward and encouraging: “Be honest and upfront. No one is going to judge.”
Sometimes inclusion looks like policies and programs. Other times, it looks like an assistance dog quietly reminding us that belonging starts with acceptance and that being different is not just okay, it’s something to be celebrated.
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