The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK's National Metrology Institute, employs around 1,400 people and plays a vital role in developing and maintaining the country’s primary measurement standards, while working closely with international partners to support the global measurement system.
The problem
Despite the growing importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI), the organisation was facing a decline in internal engagement with DEI initiatives. Traditional corporate communication methods were no longer resonating with employees, and there was a need for a more impactful approach to address the gaps in inclusion and representation. The challenge was to create a more authentic, transparent, and engaging DEI narrative that could drive real change within the organisation and foster a more inclusive culture.
The solution
In response to these challenges, NPL launched the Stronger Together Everyone Matters campaign. This approach shifted away from traditional messaging and instead embraced a storytelling format. By sharing genuine stories from employees, they challenged stereotypes, sparked meaningful dialogue, and inspired future talent.
The campaign included both anonymised stories presented through fictional personas and real accounts from staff, offering a more relatable and human-centred approach. By focusing on authentic experiences, the campaign provided a platform for employees to engage with the diversity narrative in a deeper, more meaningful way. This approach was designed not only to generate greater internal engagement but also to build a more transparent and inclusive culture where every employee felt valued and heard.
The results
The Stronger Together Everyone Matters campaign has delivered impressive results. Employee satisfaction with inclusion has increased by 3.7%, making it one of the highest-rated factors within the organisation. This shift indicates that employees are feeling more included, seen, and heard within the workplace, contributing to a stronger sense of belonging.
Beyond internal engagement, the campaign achieved significant success on external platforms as well. NPL saw a marked increase in social media engagement, demonstrating that the campaign resonated beyond the company and had the power to reach wider audiences. Furthermore, the initiative fostered partnerships with other organisations, amplifying the impact of its DEI efforts.
Perhaps most notably, the campaign helped drive measurable improvements in diversity, with a marked increase in the recruitment of women, underrepresented minority groups, and people with disabilities. This reflects a direct alignment between the NPL’s DEI efforts and its hiring practices, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The Stronger Together Everyone Matters campaign has enhanced internal DEI efforts and embedded these values into the organisation’s culture, ensuring long-term sustainability and continued progress through both internal and external initiatives.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in April 2025.