Although times are changing, there is still a lot of work to be done in the workplace in regard to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
In this blog, we discuss direct discrimination, gender inequality, 5 ways to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, workplace events, considering everyone fairly and why it’s so important.
What is direct discrimination?
Direct discrimination is when there is a large difference in how people are treated in the workplace.
Under the Equality Act, there are nine protected characteristics.
These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
The Equality Act (2010) has been put in place to keep people safe from any kind of discrimination, in the workplace and in wider society.
Gender inequality in the workplace.
Gender inequality is when men and women are treated unequally. This can manifest within the workplace.
When hiring, it’s obviously important to find the best person for the job. But you should also check you’re following the law on discrimination.
It’s usually against the law to discriminate against a job applicant based on the aforementioned ‘protected characteristics’
Read more about employment law here:
Check you’re following discrimination law when recruiting: Recruitment: hiring someone – Acas
Men and women must be treated equally. Here are some examples of gender inequality in the workplace:
- Differences in pay for the same role
- Recruiting unfavourably towards either sex
- Progression or promotions that are just for men or women
- Sexual harassment
Diversity needs to be considered right from the initial stages, the advertisement, the language that is used, the checking of CVs, having a diverse interview panel and recruitment team to avoid any unconscious bias.
Why inclusion matters in the workplace.
Inclusion and diversity in a workplace have many benefits, including higher revenue growth, and employee retention is 5.4 times higher.
Employees who feel included and appreciated, regardless of who they are, are 9.8 times more likely to have job satisfaction.
Having a workplace that is inclusive and diverse will not only bring in a wider range of talent but also keep your current talent.
5 ways to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace:
- Remove the gender pay gap, and be transparent about pay within the workplace
- Give training to all employees to raise awareness on direct and indirect discrimination
- Include a better work-life balance for both genders, for example, longer paternity leave
- Ensure you have an anti-harassment policy in place
- Have diversity from recruitment to actual employment, including in each department and leadership roles.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion in events for your staff.
At Events Together, we always take everything into consideration when it comes to equality.
This means we look at the whole event requirements, from avoiding religious and cultural days of observance when selecting event dates to sourcing local produce and local caterers for your events.
Ensuring that if required, there are lifts, access ramps, suitable parking options for all disabled needs, access to tools and areas for hard of hearing, wheelchairs, and even having clear instructions and signs.
Taking into account if all gender neutral bathrooms are required, look at the options for Mum and baby private rooms, multi-faith space or even just a needed quiet room.
If you are looking for a bespoke event management company, then please get in touch to see how we can help you via create@events-together.co.uk. We look forward to working with you to create your memorable event.
