Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Indian Workplaces
In today's dynamic work environment, we cannot overstate the significance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). It is the cornerstone of creating workplaces where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive.?
DEI initiatives help organizations succeed by encouraging diverse perspectives and talents. This boosts innovation and employee engagement. Having a strong culture of diversity and inclusion ensures that the workplace is fair and respectful for everyone.?
In this blog, we will be looking at what exactly DEI is, which Indian laws it takes into account, and how employers, employees, and organizations can create a truly inclusive workplace!?
Understanding the Core Concepts of DEI:
Consider this story:
A manager at XYZ corporation invites all his team members to the conference room for a meeting. There is a team member who has a slight visual impairment. To ensure that the meeting is accessible to him, the manager arranges for an alternative controller that uses an app to read the PowerPoint presentation. The controller also uses dark colors for the presentation. Once he is done with the presentation, the manager gives all the team members an opportunity to share their views, and agrees to include everyone's suggestions in the upcoming project.?
Why is this a great example of DEI in practice?
Firstly, when the manager invites everyone, it shows diversity. Diversity is the presence of people who are different from each other. Embracing diversity means recognizing and celebrating these differences.
When he accommodates the visually impaired team member, it shows equity. Equity is ensuring that everyone has fair access to opportunities, resources, and treatment.
Inviting the team members to express their views in the meeting, shows inclusion. Inclusion is about fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
Finally, when the team members' voices are heard and they feel like an important part of the meeting, it shows belonging. Belonging is the sense of fitting in or feeling like you are an important member of a group.?
Laws that govern DEI in India
Now that we have understood how DEI works, let us delve into the legislative and judicial approaches that India has adopted to promote DEI within organizations.
The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976:
This Act ensures equal pay for men and women who perform the same work or work of a similar nature. It addresses gender-based wage discrimination.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes( Prevention of Atrocities) Act ,1989:
This Act protects the rights of marginalized communities, especially people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It protects individuals from discrimination and atrocities based on their caste.?
The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017:
This Amendment extends maternity benefits such as leaves and accommodation to female employees. The Act also provides provisions for work-from-home for nursing mothers.
The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995:
This Act aims to make sure that people with disabilities have the same chances in all parts of life, including being able to get a job. To promote inclusion, employers should encourage providing reasonable accommodations to disabled employees.
In addition to this, the RPWD Act, 2016 states that the appropriate government should ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the right to equality, life with dignity, and respect for their integrity, just as everyone else.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:
Employers must make the workplace safe and inclusive for women. The Act provides a framework for preventing workplace sexual harassment and addressing any complaints of the same.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020:
Every workplace must have a fair policy for transgender people. This is required by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.?
领英推荐
HIV Act, 2017 and Rules 2022:
This Act prohibits discrimination against persons with HIV in employment context. Employers with 100 or more people must follow the HIV Act and its rules. This includes duties like educating employees and adopting HIV-related policies.?
In addition to legislative approaches, the Indian judiciary has also played a significant role in supporting the DEI principles. For example, the case of? Visakha Vs State of Rajasthan, guidelines were established against workplace sexual harassment. In another instance, Naz Foundation vs Govt. of NCT of Delhi made same-sex relationships more visible and inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community. From public employment to employment for mothers, the judiciary has helped shape the Indian workforce in many ways!
Role of Employers in upholding DEI
It's not enough to have laws in place if we don't uphold them! To begin with, employers play a pivotal role in building a DEI-focused workplace. It is their responsibility to:
1. Establish clear policies - Employers need clear DEI policies that show their commitment to an inclusive workplace.
2. Practice fair hiring etiquette - Fair hiring practices help select candidates based on qualifications and skills.
3. Provide diversity training for the entire workforce - Offering DEI training to employees is essential. These programs raise awareness about unconscious biases and foster empathy among employees.
4. Build an inclusive culture - Employers must cultivate an inclusive culture that values differences. Celebrating diversity and providing equal opportunities for career advancement are key in doing so.
Role of Employees in practicing DEI
Employees also have a significant role to play in promoting DEI. Some of their duties include:
1. Being strong allies - Employees can support their colleagues who may face discrimination or biases. Being an ally means standing up for those who need support.
2. Reporting incidents of discrimination - Encouraging employees to report incidents of discrimination or bias is crucial. An organization should establish clear reporting channels to address such concerns.
3. Actively participating in creating an inclusive workplace - Employees can join or create Resource Groups to support diversity and inclusivity. They can also take part in DEI programs to further these goals.
Paving the way forward: Best DEI Practices
Now that we know a little about an employer and an employee’s role in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, let's learn how to address DEI concerns in the workplace! Here are a few important steps to keep in mind:
Employers should create open and private reporting systems within the organization. This will help employees to easily report bias or discrimination incidents.
Train and raise awareness among employees and managers about addressing DEI concerns. This will help create a workplace where such issues are less likely to occur.
To measure progress, it is crucial to check and analyze the organization's DEI efforts. Collect data and feedback from employees on a regular basis.
To build an inclusive and discrimination-free workplace, we need to promote inclusive language and value diverse perspectives. A simple change from “Hello, guys” to “Hello, Team” could reflect our commitment to DEI!
Building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces in India is a continuous journey. It requires commitment from everyone including law makers, employers, and employees. Organizations need to use DEI strategies, change them when necessary, and invite individuals at all levels to join in.?
If you would like to learn more and forge an inclusive culture at your office, explore Lawcubator’s DEI course, where we will help you shape a more equitable and empowered workplace.