Published on April 13th, 2023

Are you looking to improve equity in your workplace? 

Creating a culture of equity can benefit both employees and the organization as a whole. However, many employers struggle with where to start. 

In this article, we will provide eight strategies to help you create equity in the workplace and demonstrate your commitment to equity.

What Does Equity Mean in the Workplace?

At Equity in Motion, we believe that equity in the workplace means providing all employees with an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. Creating a culture of equity requires a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fairness. Our team of experts can help organizations address and eliminate biases within the workplace, implement policies and practices that promote equity, and create a tailored plan to improve equity within the organization.

Partnering with Equity in Motion can benefit organizations by providing guidance and support in improving equity in the workplace. We offer various services such as business consulting, health equity, professional development, strategic planning, DEI initiatives, and change management to help organizations create a culture of equity in the workplace. With our expertise, organizations can create a more positive work environment, attract and retain top talent, and improve productivity.

8 Strategies to Improve Your Workplace Equity

1. Develop an Equity Statement

The first step in creating equity in the workplace is to develop an equity statement. This statement should outline your organization's commitment to equity and explain how you will create and maintain a culture of equity in the workplace. Your equity statement should be communicated to all employees and incorporated into your company's policies and practices.

2. Provide Diversity and Equity Training

Providing diversity and equity training to all employees is another crucial strategy for improving workplace equity. This training should be ongoing and cover topics such as implicit bias, microaggressions, and inclusive language. Training should be tailored to different levels of the organization and should include all employees, from entry-level to leadership.

3. Create Diverse Hiring Practices

Diverse hiring practices are essential to improving workplace equity. Employers should strive to create a diverse pool of candidates by reaching out to underrepresented groups and eliminating biases in the hiring process. Organizations should also ensure that all job descriptions and qualifications are inclusive and accessible.

4. Address Pay Equity

Pay equity is an essential aspect of workplace equity. Employers should conduct regular pay equity analyses to ensure that all employees are paid fairly for their work. Organizations should also implement transparent salary and promotion practices and provide clear criteria for advancement.

5. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements

Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, can help create equity in the workplace. This allows employees to balance work and personal responsibilities and can help reduce the impact of systemic barriers, such as gender roles or caregiving responsibilities.

6. Create an Inclusive Culture

Creating an inclusive culture is crucial to improving workplace equity. This involves creating an environment where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. Employers should foster a culture of open communication and encourage employees to share their ideas and perspectives.

7. Provide Professional Development Opportunities

Providing professional development opportunities is another crucial strategy for improving workplace equity. This allows employees to build their skills and advance in their careers, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. Organizations should ensure that professional development opportunities are accessible to all employees and provide support and resources for career advancement.

8. Measure and Monitor Progress

Measuring and monitoring progress is essential to improving workplace equity. Employers should collect data on diversity and inclusion metrics, such as employee demographics, hiring and promotion rates, and employee satisfaction. This data should be used to identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies as needed.

How Do You Restore Equity in the Workplace?

Restoring equity in the workplace involves identifying and addressing any systemic barriers or biases that may exist within the organization. This may involve conducting an equity audit, gathering feedback from employees, and developing an action plan to address any areas of concern. Restoring equity may also involve providing additional support and resources to employees who have been impacted by systemic inequities.

Employers can take the following steps to restore equity in the workplace:

• Acknowledge Past Inequities: Acknowledging past inequities is the first step in restoring equity in the workplace. Employers should acknowledge any historical or current biases that exist within the organization and take steps to address them.
• Collect Data and Feedback: Collecting data and feedback from employees is essential to restoring equity in the workplace. Employers should conduct surveys and focus groups to gather information on employee experiences and identify areas of concern.
• Develop an Action Plan: Developing an action plan is crucial to restoring equity in the workplace. Employers should use the data and feedback collected to identify specific areas of improvement and develop a plan to address them. This plan should be communicated to all employees and should include specific goals, timelines, and metrics for measuring progress.
• Provide Additional Support and Resources: Providing additional support and resources to employees who have been impacted by systemic inequities is another crucial strategy for restoring equity in the workplace. This may include providing mentorship programs, coaching, or counseling services.
• Monitor Progress and Adjust Strategies: Monitoring progress and adjusting strategies is essential to restoring equity in the workplace. Employers should regularly collect data and feedback to measure progress towards their goals and adjust their strategies as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating equity in the workplace is essential for organizations to thrive. By implementing these eight strategies and restoring equity when necessary, employers can create a culture of equity that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.

If you need further guidance on how to create equity in your workplace, please contact Equity in Motion, run by consultant Maria North Morgan, at [email protected]. We are here to help you thrive in your business equity.