By: Talisa “Tali” Lavarry (She/Her)
Equity in the workplace is based on the idea that all employees in an organization enjoy equal opportunities based on their personal needs. In addition, the notion of equity is based on the equal allocation and distribution of resources in the workplace.
Below I will present 7 practical ways to create an equitable work environment
- Raise Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awareness
First, raising awareness about Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DEI) among all members of an organization or company is essential. The recruitment team must know how significant it is to promote diversity in an organization by keeping biases against other genders, ethnic or racial groups at bay. However, it has been observed that it is often times not done. For instance, according to the Office of National Statistics reports, about 76 percent of Muslim-sounding names on their CV are less likely to be called for an interview in the United than common American and or Christian names. These hiring practices alone create hurdles from the very beginning as it relates to creating an equitable environment for all.
- Evaluation of the workplace equity
Secondly, it is significant to evaluate workplace equity from time to time. The evaluation process can be done by asking the following questions:
- Does the organization has members from diverse backgrounds?
- Is the organization providing equal growth opportunities to all members?
- Is the organization recruiting people from other genders and disabilities?
- Are crucial posts in the organization accommodated by people of diverse backgrounds?
- Is pay equitable for all?
- Publicly Sharing Equity Targets and Progress
An organization becomes more equitable when it shares its equity targets and progress. It becomes more accountable not only to inside members but also to outsiders. For example, if an organization has set its target of recruiting 50% male and 50% female staff, it helps to encourage more women to apply for a job post.
- Intentionally recruit & hire diverse teams
People from various backgrounds should be hired in an organization to promote intercultural harmony in the workplace. The conventional idea is to recruit only those who fit the company’s culture. However, the modern notion enables hiring people from various cultures and backgrounds. For example, when people from multiple cultural, demographics, ethnic, and racial backgrounds are recruited in an organization, then members of an organization become more aware of each other’s cultures. While promoting intercultural harmony it also removes misconceptions and biases towards another culture. Many are surprised to learn that it has been proven time and time again that diverse teams always out perform homogeneous ones.
- Say no to all forms of discrimination
It should go without saying that members of an organization should never be discriminated against for their sex, color, creed, religion, ethnic group, or language. The environment of an organization should be flexible enough to report such discrimination, and strict measures should be taken against those involved in such discrimination.
- Promote inclusive leadership
Leaders of an organization should be inclusive and give equal opportunities to everyone. The leader must be capable of taking everyone along in an organization. The research found that those organizations where leaders are more inclusive perform better. Companies having inclusive leaders have 50% more productive employees, 90% more innovative employees, and 150% more engaged staff members.
- Create targeted incentive programs
All people do not respond to incentives in the same way. A specific incentive holds a different value for one group versus another. Thus, various members of an organization should be encouraged to perform well by enticing them through additional incentives. However, it should be remembered that all members should be rewarded in an organization. It can be done by offering various kinds of perks & incentives.
In a nutshell, it is significant for an organization to promote equity for its well-being.
Inequitable workplace environments demotivate employees. They do not give their best performance. Moreover, inequity also leads to gender, racial and ethnic biases within an organization and in society.