What is Equality and Diversity in the Workplace?
Whether you’re an employee or the employer, you will be all too familiar with the calls for “equality and diversity in the workplace”. Companies all over refer to themselves as “equal opportunities employers”, but what does that really mean? What is equality and diversity in the workplace, and how can you make sure your company is conforming?
Put simply, workplace equality and diversity refers to the hiring of a range of employees from all walks of life. A diverse workplace is one that employs a vast range of people from all ages, races, disabilities, sexualities and genders.
There are untold benefits for companies that actively promote an equal and diverse workplace such as an enhanced reputation and the addition of great new ideas. Businesses also diminish the risk of being involved in costly employment tribunals and lawsuits.
Understanding what this means for your place of work is only half of the battle. It is equally as important that it is managed correctly, by both employees and employers. There are however, a number of simple but effective ways you can manage diversity at work:
Put simply, workplace equality and diversity refers to the hiring of a range of employees from all walks of life. A diverse workplace is one that employs a vast range of people from all ages, races, disabilities, sexualities and genders.
There are untold benefits for companies that actively promote an equal and diverse workplace such as an enhanced reputation and the addition of great new ideas. Businesses also diminish the risk of being involved in costly employment tribunals and lawsuits.
Understanding what this means for your place of work is only half of the battle. It is equally as important that it is managed correctly, by both employees and employers. There are however, a number of simple but effective ways you can manage diversity at work:
Managing Workplace Equality and Diversity
When managing diversity in the workplace, it is important for employers to understand the demographics of their existing staff. A great way to manage workplace diversity is through pre and post employment questionnaires.
While many employees will be all too happy to offer information freely, some may be a little more wary about divulging such information. By offering anonymity or a ‘prefer not to state’ option on questionnaires, you can avoid this reluctance. By educating your staff or colleagues as to why this information is of use is also a great way to encourage responses.
This information is useful for employers for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps them manage their workforce, and see how diverse it really is. This will help open up growth opportunities and strengthen relationships with existing clients, peers and partners.
It also meets the needs of your staff. If you can identify the unique needs of everyone, you are able to combat any disengagement or discrimination before it takes place. This will help you avoid any costly and reputation-harming employment tribunals.
Another affordable and easy way for staff to discuss their needs and share ideas is a diversity forum. Whether a physical meeting or something held anonymously online, this can be a great way for employees to share experiences and feelings.
Equality training boasts untold benefits for your business. By actively keeping up with the latest equality legislation and policies, you can ensure your company is always one step ahead of the competition. But what are the benefits to your workplace itself?
While many employees will be all too happy to offer information freely, some may be a little more wary about divulging such information. By offering anonymity or a ‘prefer not to state’ option on questionnaires, you can avoid this reluctance. By educating your staff or colleagues as to why this information is of use is also a great way to encourage responses.
This information is useful for employers for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps them manage their workforce, and see how diverse it really is. This will help open up growth opportunities and strengthen relationships with existing clients, peers and partners.
It also meets the needs of your staff. If you can identify the unique needs of everyone, you are able to combat any disengagement or discrimination before it takes place. This will help you avoid any costly and reputation-harming employment tribunals.
Another affordable and easy way for staff to discuss their needs and share ideas is a diversity forum. Whether a physical meeting or something held anonymously online, this can be a great way for employees to share experiences and feelings.
Equality training boasts untold benefits for your business. By actively keeping up with the latest equality legislation and policies, you can ensure your company is always one step ahead of the competition. But what are the benefits to your workplace itself?
Benefits of Diversity at Work
As long as there is open dialogue and communication between staff and employers, managing diversity is fairly transparent and easy to manage. The benefits of diversity for your company are also huge. Public facing companies can see a boost in their reputation with both clients and prospective employees; as well as providing a pleasant working environment for all involved.
A workplace that promotes equality and diversity can also benefit from fresh ideas that may have never been considered before. Employees from all walks of life will be able to view your company in a different light, and offer suggestions that may have otherwise never been put forward.
A workplace that promotes equality and diversity can also benefit from fresh ideas that may have never been considered before. Employees from all walks of life will be able to view your company in a different light, and offer suggestions that may have otherwise never been put forward.
What's Next?
If you have any of these elements in place or not, you can still actively promote equality and diversity at work. The most important thing should be making sure all employees are catered for, and that no-one feels like they are treated any differently. There are plenty of diversity training programmes that your company can take part in order to boost their atmosphere, and help benefit the business, employees and clients.