In the latest of our MERJE Together series, which explores diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace, we pledge our support to International Women’s Day and the 2021 theme “Choose to Challenge”.
Choose to Challenge aims to call out gender bias and inequality to help create an inclusive world.
At MERJE, we are committed to promoting a diverse culture across our team and this ethos, in turn, filters down to our clients and candidates.
If we see these values being compromised or taken advantage of, we won’t turn a blind eye and instead tackle any underlying issues head on.
This is because we believe that a workplace which encourages equality, diversion and inclusion is ultimately more successful and better at problem-solving, while keeping employees happy, motivated and loyal.
Here are some ways to ensure that your workplace is inclusive.
Implement a workplace policy
A good workplace policy covers all elements of equality, diversity and inclusion. It might also be called an ‘equal opportunities policy’.
A policy helps everyone to know:
That the business supports and treats everyone fairly
What kind of behaviour is expected of them
About discrimination and the law and what is not acceptable
Where to find the procedures for resolving any problems
Your policy could also point employees to any extra activities or services that your workplace offers, such as staff networks or employee assistance groups or programmes.
When developing a policy, you should:
Consult with your employees and any representatives
Follow any existing consultations or arrangements with employees or their representatives
Create an action plan which includes what steps will be taken to make sure that the policy is put into everyday practice
The action plan should include:
How to get staff on board; for example, training for all staff so that they understand the policy and what needs to happen to make it work in practice
How to best monitor and measure if the policy and plan are working as intended and record those results
How to work out whether the policy is effective and what needs to change
Who will put the policy and plan into practice and by when
Employers, managers and employees should understand the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work, including:
Recruiting new staff
Training and promoting existing staff
Equal pay
Religious beliefs and practice
Dress code
Unacceptable behaviour
Staff dismissal
Redundancy
Different types of leave for parents
Flexible working
Offer clear communication
Employees are more likely to get on-board with your organisation’s strategic goals if they feel they are included in the decision making process and that this is clearly communicated. Try to ensure that they:
Feel valued
Are clear what the organisation’s purpose and values are
Understand how they play a part in achieving your organisation’s goals
You could help employees feel included in your organisation by:
Talking openly with them
Providing regular updates about how the business is progressing
Being clear about any changes, decisions or plans
You could also hold open meetings, where employees can talk with senior managers, giving them the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns.
Provide strong leadership
You and any senior managers should be role models for inclusive behaviour.
It’s good practice to:
Encourage everyone to have a more inclusive attitude
Give managers training which helps them to see the importance of their role in shaping your workplace culture
Have an equality, diversity and inclusion champion at senior level who can speak up for under-represented groups and flag any issues that need addressing
Look out for signs of discrimination, inequality and exclusion and address them as soon as possible
Promote inclusive events and activities
You could support other activities and events, aside from International Women’s Day, which encourage inclusion in the workplace, such as:
Read more about International Women's Day on their website. If you would like to discuss your equality, diversity and inclusion policy in more detail, please get in touchwith our team
