EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
An equitable workplace means a workplace which is free of bias and discrimination . Employees should all have the same access to opportunities and be treated the same . And more importantly , no employee should feel excluded or marginalised .
So how does a company , regardless of its size , create an equitable workplace ? We asked three experts who gave their views on how this is achievable .
All three said that it begins with the leaders . They need to be the biggest champions of diversity and inclusion and openly support the organisation ’ s aims . Managers need to lead the way to inspire all employees to take the same approach . When managers are fully onboard , employees can easily go to them to discuss any issues they may have .
Training is also another important aspect of creating a workplace free of discrimination . By teaching everyone what it actually means to have an equitable workplace , everyone can then share the same vision . Sometimes there is unconscious bias , which people may not even realise they have . Training can help to uncover this and put everyone on track to creating a workplace where everyone can work safely without discrimination .
direction and have access to the training they need . The experts also highlighted the importance of hiring practices and how companies can remove the bias within this area .
Faki Saadi , Sales Director , SOTI UK , said : “ Ultimately , an equitable workplace will not happen by chance , it takes conscious effort by every employee from the boardroom and down . No one has equity mastered yet , but as long as we keep stopping to check how we are doing and readjusting where necessary , an equitable workplace can be achieved .”
EMPLOYEES SHOULD ALL HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES AND BE TREATED THE SAME .
Support and encouragement is another important aspect which was highlighted . People need to feel as if they belong in the workplace and also they need to know their worth within the workplace . By ensuring that everyone knows what they are doing and what they are working towards , people will feel more valued and more at home in the job they are doing . It ’ s best to not just assume that people know they are valued and appreciated – say it out loud and provide continued support .
HR is an important department in all of this . It can make sure employees are heading in the right
HOW CAN A BUSINESS CREATE AN EQUITABLE WORKPLACE ?
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