Embracing Equality, Inclusion and Diversity
Debbie Greenwood
People, Culture & Change Expert - Collaborating with organisations, leaders and their teams to make workplaces amazing places to be
How inclusive, diverse and pro-equality is your business’ culture?
How familiar are you, your leaders and your employees with unconscious bias? (A topic for another article.)
I like to think that I am and have always tried to be non-bias, but if I’m honest, there will have have been times that I have had and probably still have biases – but don’t realise it. This is something that I am always working to improve. I do believe that awareness is a huge step forward, you can always ask yourself the question – am I being bias in any way?
I am also a great believer that having a diverse workforce brings about huge benefits for businesses and employees alike.
Equality in the workplace for all…
More often than not we hear about equality for women and, of course I couldn’t agree more! The Guardian recently posted an article that shows business with women on the main board perform better. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/29/companies-with-women-on-the-board-perform-better-report-finds
However, it isn’t just about equality for women. What about creating a culture where men have as many opportunities to care for their children as women? A culture where a Dad could leave work to look after sick kids or do the school run?
All too often it is expected that women will fulfil the role of carer, maybe not just for kids, but for relatives too. In most businesses the practices and culture doesn’t cater for anything other than this, or at least isn’t frowned upon. This really does need to change. The days of a man being the main bread winner and the woman being the carer is, and should be, a thing of the past, at least for those who want it. After all, it is all about personal choice and there should be the option of that choice for both men and women alike.
It’s not just about gender equality.
It doesn’t stop at gender, why is it taking so long for barriers to be removed so that everyone is treated equally fairly? There is legislation to say this is what we are supposed to do but there are still too many “isms” in society and the workplace. I recognise that a lot is based on history, however we have moved on at huge pace with technology, and yet haven’t kept anywhere near that pace with racism, sexism, anti-Semitism and so on. If only it was as simple as not tolerating isms….
A lot of isms can be resolved with education by helping others to understand and embrace differences. It is about recognising and appreciating the value that those differences bring.
My Experience with Diversity
I am lucky enough to live in Bournemouth ( something that I have been incredibly grateful for since Covid hit). For those of you who are unfamiliar with the geography of the UK, it is on the south coast of England. Until fairly recently, Bournemouth was predominantly a seaside resort; the population was very white middle class with a small but relatively thriving Jewish community. During the 70s as Indian and Chinese restaurants and take-aways became popular, Bournemouth became a little more diverse but not very.
Due to my surroundings, I was brought up with a very little understanding of other races, cultures, religions and can honestly say that I didn’t realise that people from other countries had the same type of conversations as us Brits!!! I think about it now and it’s farcical and do sometimes wonder how my mind works at times. Don’t get me wrong, my parents, my Mum particularly have always embraced people, regardless, but she was still a product of her era, where the world was far more segregated than it is now.
Thank goodness I am now far more aware, and it has made me realise, and perhaps understand better, why it is more difficult for some people to embrace difference. I suspect for many because there is a lack of understanding. Some sadly, probably don't want to understand. That’s their prerogative, I will never understand their stance and would prefer not to work with them – unless of course they have a genuine desire to change!
Inclusion and Exclusion
What I have also realised is, that exclusion isn’t just limited to any one country, culture, religion. It is part of life. I believe India still has a caste system – something that I hate the idea of, as I do, the Jewish / Christian / Muslim issues.
I would love for everyone to live together happily, but realise that it is quite a big ask, there will always be those who are less accepting of any kind of difference. But for the majority of us, hopefully we can learn more about each other and work towards making bigotry and exclusion far less prevalent. One thing is for sure, schools now are far more diverse, and kids don’t see difference until they are TAUGHT it….
I love people and was once accused by my ex-husband of loving everyone – like it was a bad thing and probably one reason why he is my ex!!!! I want to work with as many businesses and organisations as possible to help the leaders, managers and workforces to completely embrace diversity.
If you would like to discuss how to improve equality, inclusion and diversity in your business, contact me to find out about our free 30 minute fact finding call.
Menopause in the Workplace Expert I Menopause Consultant I Menopause Advisor I Menopause Coach I Educating and empowering employers and individuals with practical workshops, advice and support about the menopause
3 年Great article Deb and your point about today’s children is spot on.
Sales Operations Manager | Diversity & Inclusion Advisor
3 年Brilliant article Deb - open and honest and some food for thought for our local business leaders!