Uploaded on Jul 22, 2023
Promoting gender equity in the workplace is crucial for creating a fair and inclusive environment. Know how companies can promote gender equity in the workplace.
How Companies Can Promote Gender Equity in the Workplace
How Companies Can
Promote Gender
Equity in the
Workplace
https://goodmanlantern.com/
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Promoting gender equity in the workplace is no longer a trend or a fad –
it’s a necessity. For decades, companies have been working to achieve
balance and fairness in their workforce. But it’s not just about ticking a
box or fulfilling a requirement.
Gender equity is an issue of equal opportunity for all, regardless of
gender or other personal characteristics. So, why should you introduce
gender equality in your workplace?
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Apart from ethical reasons, gender equality and equity has several
business benefits. They help create a more diverse and inclusive work
environment that can improve employee satisfaction, increase
productivity, and even boost your company’s bottom line.
So, if you are a forward-thinking business owner who wants to stay
ahead of the competition and reduce gender inequality, then now is the
time to act.
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What Is Gender
Equity
It’s vital to understand
the difference and
significance between
gender equity and
equality.
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Gender equality is an essential element of human rights and
fundamental freedoms that should be granted to everyone regardless
of gender. It’s about fair and equal treatment without allowing gender
discrimination to influence the decision-making process.
On the other hand, gender equity is a concept that carries a greater
sensitivity toward acknowledging and addressing the real-world
obstacles experienced by individuals of different genders. It considers
the different needs and challenges experienced by different genders
and ensures the necessary measures are put in place to level the
playing field and reduce gender inequality.
Gender equity leaves no stone unturned in ensuring everyone has an
equal chance to succeed. It also helps to highlight the main causes of
gender inequality within and outside the workplace.
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The Current Landscape
Although there have been notable improvements in women’s
representation in corporate America in recent years, according to
a McKinsey study, there is still a significant gender gap that needs
to be bridged.
Women, especially women of colour, are underrepresented at
every level compared to their male counterparts. Sadly, even with
the same attrition rates and earning more bachelor’s degrees
than men, women are less likely to be hired into entry-level
positions. This directly impacts their chances of moving up the
corporate ladder.
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It’s disheartening to learn that for every 100 men promoted to manager
status, only 86 women achieve manager status. As a result, this gap
creates a vicious cycle where fewer qualified women are promoted from
within, remaining one of the leading causes of gender inequality. The
McKinsey report forewarns us that unless companies take dedicated
action toward gender equality, this pattern will continue indefinitely.
Therefore, organisations must prioritise diversity and take necessary
measures to bridge the gap to achieve equal representation, reduce
gender inequality, and reap the benefits of diverse perspectives and
experiences in the decision-making process.
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Five Ways Companies Can Close the
Gender Gap and Promote Gender
Equity
The fight for gender equity in the workplace is ongoing. While
companies have made strides in hiring more women, it’s not
enough. To truly create a more inclusive workplace, cultural and
organisational changes must take place.
Simply having diversity in the workplace isn’t enough if women don’t
feel supported and valued. Companies should prioritise creating
equal opportunities and fair compensation for all employees,
regardless of gender.
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By actively trying to close the gender gap, businesses can create a
more diverse, inclusive, and ultimately successful workplace.
Below are five simple yet effective ways to enhance the efforts of and
promote gender equity in your company.
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1. Unlock Diversity Through
Recruitment
A diverse and equitable workplace ensures that all employees feel
comfortable and included. Gender equity is no exception; creating it
starts with the recruitment process.
Employers must strive to create job descriptions that are accurate
and inclusive to attract gender-diverse candidates. Sourcing a
gender-diverse candidate pipeline and conducting fair interviews are
also essential to ensure a level playing field. Eliminating internal bias
is critical to achieving true gender equality.
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These measures should be applied at every level of seniority, but it is
especially vital for executive positions. By prioritising diversity, you can
build a stronger, more inclusive team that drives innovation, fosters
creativity, and achieves greater success.
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2. Provide Equal Pay
Ensuring your employee compensation program is fair, equitable,
and transparent is essential to creating an inclusive workplace. One
of the most important aspects of achieving this is offering equal pay
for equal work, regardless of gender. This promotes gender equality
and attracts and retains top talent.
It’s important to remember that competitive and fair compensation
encompasses employee benefits, such as healthcare, retirement
plans, and other perks that can improve employees’ quality of life.
Promoting fair and transparent compensation can build a more
engaged and motivated workforce.
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3. Offer Extra Support
Many companies struggle to retain their female workforce, especially
mothers who face unique challenges in balancing work and family
responsibilities. Offering comprehensive benefits and more
opportunities for better work-life balance can greatly alleviate this
stress and reduce the risk of burnout.
Providing better access to child care and embracing flexible work
arrangements like remote work, hybrid work, and flexible scheduling
can significantly reduce the burden on working moms and promote
gender equity. Not only can these changes increase job satisfaction
and overall well-being, but they can also allow more women to
actively participate and excel in the corporate world.
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Companies that prioritise the needs and concerns of their employees
will not only benefit from a more diverse and inclusive workplace but
will also foster a more loyal and engaged workforce overall.
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4. Provide a
Diversity and
Inclusion
Training
Programme
Creating a positive work
environment is beneficial
for your employees and
the success of your
business. It’s essential to
provide your employees
with the right tools to
understand what is and
isn’t acceptable in the
workplace.
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A diversity training program can help bolster gender equity in the
workplace in this regard as it is tailored specifically to your business.
Through this programme, your employees can gain awareness of any
inherent biases or prejudices they may have unwittingly harboured.
Attendees will be encouraged to actively participate and share their
experiences, with a focus on promoting allyship. Such training is likely
to result in a more harmonious and understanding work environment
where every employee feels valued regardless of their background.
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5. Sculpt an Inclusive Company
Culture
In today’s fast-paced business world, creating a sense of belonging
and acceptance within a company is crucial. It’s no longer enough to
simply hire diverse employees; companies must cultivate a culture
of inclusivity to reap the benefits.
Employees who feel valued and accepted are more likely to be
engaged with their work, which can spur innovation and creativity.
Additionally, fostering a culture of inclusivity can help retain valuable
talent and reduce attrition rates.
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Gender equity is just one aspect of inclusivity. Companies must also
focus on improving the overall employee experience by creating a
culture where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
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The Bottom Line
Reducing gender inequality and promoting gender equity in the
workplace can have major benefits for business and society as a
whole. If you’d like to learn more about how your company can boost
equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts, visit Goodman Lantern’s
offered services.
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THANK
YOU!
Goodman
Lantern
Phone: Email: Website:
+1 9292993999 [email protected] https://goodmanlantern.c
om om/
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