Did you know that it is International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2022?

International Women’s Day is a day to recognise great success stories but also to remind us of the work still to be done in the workplace not just on gender gaps but the wider topic of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.

DE&I are high on the corporate agenda in every industry nowadays, but what exactly does it mean?

Diversity

the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.

Inclusion

the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of other minority groups.

Equality

the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities

Closing the gap is what it’s all about. The gender pay gap and the gap in understanding between people from different walks of life. While the law requires all employers to treat every employee fairly, that is easier said than done. It is not just about writing policies or making corporate statements or sending reminders, it is about embedding DE&I in the heart of the business and in everyone that works in the organisation.

But where do we begin?

First, look up. The make-up of your executive team is a huge indicator to the rest of the business about the importance of diversity and inclusion in your organisation. Do you have people from different cultural and economic backgrounds occupying your top spots? Are people of all races, religions and genders represented. If not, look at why that might be and consider how you might look to attract more diverse talent.

Consider the pinch points of your workforce. For example - Do your Muslim employees have somewhere they can maintain their daily prayer routine? Have you considered where the mother returning from maternity leave can go to pump milk? Do you offer Christmas Day off but no other religious holidays? Are you aware of when they are?

Continue to educate yourself, as the margins are constantly shifting. Here at Perfect Candidate, we ensure we keep our knowledge up to date and take every learning opportunity to grow and do better – there is always work to be done in this area and we strive to support both candidates and clients to the best of our ability. Consider regular refresher courses for those in management positions, on the topic of diversity, inclusion, and equality that they can filter down into their team. Do the work.

Ultimately, a workforce that feels seen, heard and respected will ultimately display more loyalty and work harder. One of the main reasons for someone leaving their job is when they don’t feel valued and respected and respecting who they fundamentally are as a person and how they choose to live their life will go a long way to fostering a culture of inclusivity.

It can be uncomfortable sometimes but lean into it and continue to learn and share that knowledge. That is when change is most likely to happen.