An absolute must for every single ethically correct, successful business in the world is to make sure that everyone in the workplace is treated equally. Say NO to discrimination, it is not acceptable at all, being morally just and knowing what to do regarding employees who may disobey or disregard these rules is key.
Let’s start with a topic often discussed in the world, the gender pay-gap… It is very well known that women are generally paid less than men, for no reason other than the fact that they are women. Although having this gap is illegal in some areas on the planet, it is still commonplace in many others, and ultimately will be snuck under the radar even in places where it is prohibited by law. It is so important to make all genders feel equal within the workplace; women, men, non-binary. No matter their gender they should be receiving the same amount of credit for their efforts.
Then you have racism, people in the workplace treating people differently just because of their ethnicity/religion. Studies show that HALF of all employees of ethnic minorities have encountered racism within their place of work. Not only that but studies show that black people are more likely to be unemployed and less likely to be placed in managerial positions than those of Caucasian heritage.
These things should utterly not be decided on due to skin colour or religion, but instead judged by the level of talent and drive a person holds, if you/anyone in your business is judging people on anything other than their work ethic, potential and talents then something must be done to prevent it from happening ever again.
Unfortunately, another extremely common kind of bias is that of which someone is against people who are LGBTQ+. In the modern day many people are growing to become more accepting of people as they are and letting them be free with their choices without disrupting them. However, there are still others with strong opinions that being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is ‘wrong’, and they will often go after/target others who are a part of that community due to that false belief.
One of the key things to do when marketing your business is to let people know that it is a SAFE SPACE for everyone, and that any discrimination will simply not be tolerated. Put policies in place for employees (/customers and clients if applicable) making it clear what is unacceptable in and out of the workplace, let them know that you will not stand for any unreasonable behaviour and that holding bigoted beliefs is wrong.
Show the same level of respect to anyone who is a part of or linked to your workforce no matter what, and if you find that any anyone is not following the policies you have decided upon it is up to you to make sure that they do not sustain their position or relationship in/with your business.
Set out a plan and know the measures you will take if dealing with situations involving discrimination so you are prepared for a possible scenario involving it, the ultimate goal here is that you will not have to use this plan, but it is always a good idea to make sure that you are ready to take appropriate action if needed.
Written by Alyssa Maxwell-Healey
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