Gender Equality: Ways to Improve it in the Workplace

Diversity and inclusion are indispensable in organizations. A diverse and inclusive workplace allows different ideas and creativity which will improve performance, processes, and productivity.  

What Does Gender Equality Mean?

First, we need to understand what gender equality means. In a general view, gender equality in the workplace happens when everyone has equal rights, opportunities, responsibilities, and access in the organization. Specifically, this also means that:

• Everyone feels safe to pursue the same job without fearing discrimination.
• People across teams work together and collaborate equally
• Everyone is treated with fairness and respect
• Everyone has access to education and training within the organization

The Importance of Gender Equality at Work

Ensuring that gender equality is taking place in the organization will not only benefit the individuals but also the organization. Here are some benefits of gender equality:

Increase the talent pool for leadership

According to a study by SHL, out of 27 challenges, women excelled in 21 challenges compared to men. Hence, promoting diversity and inclusion along with leadership helps boost company performance.

Creates a Safe and Healthy Work Environment

Companies that implement gender equality at work create a safe and secure environment for every employee, especially women and gender minorities. Collaboration is more fluid as people are not afraid to be discriminated against when they share their ideas.

Improve overall businesses

Without any doubt, companies that provide equal opportunities to their people allow for more diverse insights and creativity. This help improve and also productivity which contribute to a better business.

How to Promote Gender Equality in the Workplace

1. Create a Discrimination-Free Company Culture

It is a known fact; women have and are still facing workplace harassment at work. Many senior-level women workers also go through sexual harassment, but they remain silent due to stigmas attached. You must create a company culture that is bereft of stigmas and taboos.

2. Fair Play, Fair Pay

According to the Gender Pay Gap 2020 report, women earn 19% less than their male counterparts for the same job.

While there can be many reasons for the gender pay gap, it is mostly discrimination that plays a major role. As a leader, you have the authority to put an end to such stereotypical and gender-biased practices. Regardless of gender, pay everyone the same wage for the same job responsibilities.

3. Focus on the results, not on the person

For women to be taken seriously, they need to deliver much more than men. This is a reality that happens a lot without us knowing consciously, which is not supposed to be. We need to put more focus on the target achieved, not the identity of who achieves it. This does not mean we neglect to credit whoever delivers the result. But what this means is that we need to credit the achievers fairly regardless of their gender, as what matters, in the end, is the delivered results benefit the whole organization.

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