EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

Running D & I training across the company is also a useful way to improve your workplace culture . This can help people understand what discriminatory behaviour might look like , the impact it may have and how to combat it .

It can raise awareness of things like unconscious bias – where we make judgements or have prejudices and stereotypes that we ’ re not consciously aware of . It ’ s a good idea to include this in your onboarding processes as well .

They should support marginalised workers such as returning mothers with supportive parental policies . You could also consider introducing more part time working and job share roles . In the UAE , there are many first-generation females entering the workforce , so it ’ s particularly important to enable them to remain in the workforce and potentially develop into the senior leaders of the future .

And finally , I ’ d say look to develop people internally . Seek out good people in the business , particularly those in marginalised groups , and nurture and promote them .

Implementing and supporting all these policies and initiatives becomes significantly easier when your organisation has an HR management platform in place .

And don ’ t forget to coach your managers in this area . This can enable them to create a safe environment for their teams – and ensure they make equitable decisions about their people , for example when it comes to promotions and pay .

Another area to focus on is your hiring policies and practices to make sure you ’ re not discriminating when hiring .

Audit your job adverts and descriptions to

AUDIT YOUR JOB ADVERTS AND DESCRIPTIONS TO MAKE SURE THEY ’ RE NOT ACCIDENTALLY DISCRIMINATING AGAINST OR OFF-PUTTING TO CERTAIN GROUPS OF PEOPLE . make sure they ’ re not accidentally discriminating against or offputting to certain groups of people . Structured interviews and blind shortlisting can help protect against bias .

Are your HR policies fit for today ’ s inclusive workplace ?

These systems foster collaboration and encourage all staff to be aware of and embody the company culture . Market-leading HRMS platforms also digitalise performance management which makes career progression completely transparent – a prerequisite to meritbased advancement . And when features such as survey modules are used , they conveniently facilitate active employee listening , thereby providing the channels for any discrimination to be reported and appropriately acted upon .

Improving D & I isn ’ t just the right thing to do – it ’ s also good for your business . Without individuals from all walks of life and all genders , ages , religions and nationalities , you narrow your choices and miss out on great talent .

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