A Week Across the UK
Understanding identity, community and belonging in the workplace
SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH 2026
South Asian Heritage Month is a nationally recognised celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of South Asian communities across the UK. Established in 2020, it provides an opportunity to celebrate, commemorate and educate, recognising the rich heritage of people whose stories continue to shape British society today. The 2026 theme, Unity in Diversity, celebrates the breadth of South Asian cultures while exploring the shared values, experiences and sense of belonging that connect communities across generations.
CELEBRATE
History and culture
LEARN
Experiences and perspectives
BELONG
Identity and inclusion
For many, South Asian Heritage Month is also a chance to reflect on the long-standing connections between the UK and South Asia, while recognising the diverse identities that make up the region. Spanning Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, South Asia is home to hundreds of languages, multiple faiths and a wealth of traditions. While these cultures each have their own unique identities, they are united by a shared history and continue to make a significant contribution to British life through business, education, healthcare, public services, the arts and countless other sectors.
At NJC, we see South Asian Heritage Month as an opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate the people behind those stories. As a people-focused business, we know every colleague brings their own experiences, traditions and perspectives, helping shape the culture of our teams and the service we deliver to our customers every day.
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Why South Asian Heritage Month matters at NJC
South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognise the people, cultures and communities that help shape our workplace. It reminds us that behind every colleague is a unique story, influenced by family, heritage, lived experience and the values that have shaped who they are.
For businesses, recognising those stories matters. People spend a significant part of their lives at work, and feeling able to be yourself, share your background and be understood all contribute to a stronger sense of belonging.
At NJC, we want to create a culture where people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. That means celebrating different cultures throughout the year, listening to colleagues' experiences and creating opportunities to learn from one another.
Awareness months provide a valuable starting point for those conversations, but inclusion is built through the actions we take every day.
IDENTITY
South Asia is not one culture
South Asia is often spoken about as though it represents a single culture, but the reality is far richer and more diverse.
Spanning Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the region is home to hundreds of languages, multiple faiths, distinct traditions and deeply rooted histories. Even within individual countries there are many different communities, customs and identities that have developed over generations.
Recognising that diversity matters. It encourages us to move beyond broad assumptions and instead appreciate the individual experiences that shape every person.
During our South Asian Heritage Month discussions, colleague Archie Hariraman reflected on growing up as a British Sri Lankan Tamil and how often people assumed Sri Lanka was simply "the same as India". His experience serves as a reminder that understanding begins with curiosity rather than assumption.
At NJC, we believe taking the time to understand one another strengthens relationships, encourages inclusion and helps create a workplace where everyone feels recognised for who they are.
BELONGING
Family, community and belonging
Across many South Asian cultures, family and community play an important role in everyday life. While traditions vary between countries, religions and communities, values such as respect, hospitality, supporting one another and maintaining strong family connections are often central.
These values shape how people celebrate, learn, support each other and maintain relationships across generations.
Many of these qualities are universal. Whether through sharing meals, celebrating milestones or simply making time for one another, strong communities are built on connection, generosity and mutual respect.
At NJC, we see those same principles reflected across our teams. Looking after colleagues, supporting one another and creating welcoming environments helps foster the kind of culture where people feel they belong.
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South Asia is often spoken about as though it represents a single culture, but the reality is far richer and more diverse.
OPPORTUNITY
Education, opportunity and changing expectations
Every family's journey is different, but for many South Asian communities, education has long been viewed as a pathway to opportunity and long-term security.
Parents and grandparents who made significant sacrifices to build a future for their families have often encouraged careers that offered stability, recognising education as a way to create new opportunities for the next generation.
Today, career paths are more varied than ever before. Industries continue to evolve, new professions emerge and success can take many different forms.
Facilities management is one example of an industry that offers rewarding careers across operations, technology, sustainability, customer service, leadership and business support. Like many sectors, it continues to grow and develop, creating opportunities that may not have existed a generation ago.
For employers, this is an important reminder that talented people arrive with different experiences, ambitions and perspectives. Creating an environment where those strengths can flourish benefits both individuals and the wider business.
REPRESENTATION
Representation in facilities management
Representation plays an important role in helping people see what is possible.
When people see individuals from a wide range of backgrounds succeeding within an industry, it helps challenge assumptions about who belongs and broadens awareness of the opportunities available.
Facilities management is a sector built on people, yet like many industries, there is still work to do to ensure leadership and specialist roles reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
At NJC, we believe attracting people from different backgrounds, experiences and cultures strengthens our business. Diverse perspectives encourage better ideas, stronger collaboration and more informed decision-making.
Creating opportunities for everyone to thrive isn't simply about representation; it's about ensuring talent is recognised wherever it's found.
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Curiosity over assumptions
One of the simplest ways to build inclusion is through curiosity.
Many misunderstandings don't arise from bad intentions, but from limited exposure to different cultures or experiences. Taking the time to ask respectful questions, listen carefully and remain open to learning helps build stronger relationships between colleagues.
Curiosity creates understanding.
It encourages people to move beyond stereotypes and appreciate the individual experiences that shape those around them.
At NJC, we want to foster a culture where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences, asking questions respectfully and learning from one another. Inclusion isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
Inclusion is built through conversations
Creating an inclusive workplace isn't achieved through awareness campaigns alone.
Real inclusion is built through everyday conversations, genuine interest in one another and a willingness to learn from different perspectives.
That might involve colleagues sharing traditions, celebrating cultural events together or simply creating space for conversations that help people better understand one another.
These moments may seem small, but collectively they help build trust, strengthen teams and create workplaces where people feel valued.
At NJC, we see inclusion as an ongoing commitment rather than a single initiative. Every conversation, every shared experience and every opportunity to listen helps strengthen our culture.
OUR CUSTOMERS
Why this matters for our customers too
The culture within an organisation has a direct impact on the service it delivers.
When colleagues feel respected, valued and included, they are more engaged, more collaborative and better equipped to deliver consistently high standards for customers.
Strong workplace cultures create stronger teams, and stronger teams deliver better outcomes.
Customers increasingly look for partners who value people as highly as performance. Organisations that invest in their people create workplaces where individuals can thrive, and that positive culture is reflected in every interaction.
For us, inclusion isn't separate from service excellence.
It helps make it possible.
LOOKING FORWARD
Looking ahead
South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate history, culture and identity, but it is equally an opportunity to continue learning.
Every colleague brings experiences and perspectives that enrich our workplace. By creating opportunities to share those stories, listening with curiosity and recognising the value of different backgrounds, we continue building a culture where everyone feels respected, heard and able to contribute.
At NJC, we remain committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated, belonging is encouraged and people are empowered to be themselves.
FIND OUT MORE
Find out more
To mark South Asian Heritage Month, our People & Culture Director, Kieran Soar, sat down with colleague Archie Hariraman to explore heritage, identity, representation and belonging through the lens of Archie's own experiences growing up in a British Sri Lankan Tamil family.
The conversation offers a personal perspective on many of the themes explored in this article and highlights why listening to individual stories is such an important part of creating more inclusive workplaces.
Watch or listen to the full episode of the Not Just Cleaning Podcast on YouTube.
