Equality In The Workplace- How Good Leaders Can Make A Difference

[September 18, 2020]  Equality in the workplace is not just a legal responsibility for the employers but also a commitment to having a positive culture for the entire workforce. Essentially, it is about giving fair treatment to all your employees, regardless of their gender, race, nationality, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

But fostering equality in your organization is much more than aligning the system to match the needs and expectations of different people. It requires a complete change in mindset, which is something that only great leaders can drive within the corporate structure. Here are some ways in which good leaders can make a difference when it comes to encouraging equality in the workplace.

Ensure an early start

If you aim to foster a balanced workforce in your company, ensure that the initiative starts early, right from where people come on board. The leadership team needs to review the hiring practices periodically to make sure that they encourage diversity and inclusion. A holistic approach to recruitment can go a long way in eliminating the prejudices that might exist. The focus of the process should entirely be on the skills and expertise of the candidates rather than any other personal attributes.

Have a plan in place

Good leaders rely on planning rather than just executing processes randomly. Apart from making sure that your recruitment team has the right approach, it is also valuable to create the right process for them. For example, all websites must be operable and understandable, even for applicants with physical or cognitive limitations. This is something you should prioritize because not having regulatory updates can bring discrimination lawsuits. Go the extra mile with your written plan and policy to highlight that workforce equality is at the core of your organizational plan.

Run training and mentorship programs

Another way leaders can make a difference is by embracing the role of mentors for a diverse workforce. By training and mentoring people who come from different backgrounds, you can make them confident about working in a diverse workplace. Be willing to guide them in every step, while making sure that you are impartial in your interactions. Strong leaders thrive on personal connections with others, regardless of who they are and what their role in the organization is.

Prioritize seamless communication

Nothing is more important than communication when it comes to organizational diversity. Prioritize good communication at all levels- between the teams and with the management. Be available to listen because listening skills are a key leadership attribute. Foster an environment where people can speak up without hesitation, even if they want to bring up a concern related to discriminatory practices. Make authentic conversations and inclusive meetings a part of your culture. Don’t just have a good communication flow within the organization, but also act on information as and when required.

Workplace equality requires a positive environment that encourages candor and honesty. For leaders, it is important to acknowledge and respect diversity so that they set an example for everyone else in the team.