So what does equality in the workplace mean? This is the equal and fair treatment of individuals regardless of their age, religion, sexual orientation, race, gender, disability or nationality.
Everybody deserves to be given a chance with equal opportunities and pay. For legal advice concerning equality in the workplace, contact us.
One of the most afflicted parties of discrimination over the years has been women. Women have since come a long way in asserting their position in the workplace as equals to men.
Women have had to overcome the prejudice of patriarchy and sexual harassment in the male-dominated workplace, which is a backward mentality that has no room in modern society.
So how best can you propagate equality in the workplace?
Set Up Clear Criteria
During the hiring or promotion process, establishing a clear criterion to follow can prove to be invaluable in removing any form of bias from the decision-making.
Using a formal approach to ascertain if one is the right fit for the post is one way of ensuring there are equality and fairness in providing job opportunities.
Research shows that using clearly defined criteria gives under-represented minorities and women a chance of getting a job. The criteria can be used to pinpoint the specific talents and skills needed for the job.
Include Diversity In The Business Plan
Setting diversity goals shows that you provide equal opportunities for anyone to get.
Diversity can change the face of the business by injecting fresh-minded ethnic minorities and women with new ideas into the workforce. It’s also good PR that can only develop the business and give it a competitive edge over others.
The diverse workforce is more likely to relate and communicate with a wide range of customers meaning that more sales and transactions will go down.
Be transparent
Being honest and open in your dealings shows that you are thoughtful of other people’s welfare when making certain decisions.
Having recorded and tracked your progress shows you have nothing to hide. Accountability and transparency are essential tools for creating equality in the workplace.
There are always unique skills that different people can bring to the table. In the UK, it’s illegal to discriminate against somebody based on their background.
We were all created equal, so it’s not fair for someone else to be favoured ahead of the other. Equality is all about acknowledging and accepting each other’s differences while respecting your neighbour without any bias.
Fair allocation of responsibilities in the workplace can only bolster your business to greater heights.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as formal legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article. Specific legal advice should be sort tailored to the individual circumstances in all cases.
David Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment law matters. He is a frequent contributor to BBC Radio Berkshire and People Management Magazine. David has represented individual and corporate clients in the employment tribunal as well as the High Court and County Court. David is a member of The Law Society and The Employment Lawyers Association (ELA UK). To contact David, visit the Contact Us page. For media enquiries: info@dphlegal.com.