Building a culture of equity at work starts with understanding both the systemic standards that impact equitable conditions, but also the people-driven practices that help build a workplace culture. By building in more transparency and avenues for feedback, organizations can show their employees how decisions are made that impact their work and their environment. These factors can help an equitable work culture grow, through accountability, easy-to-understand pay, hiring, and promotion structures, and clear lines of responsibility and communication. This blog will give you tips and tricks on how to foster equity in the workplace to the best of your abilities.
Equitable Pay for the Workforce
When we think of equitable treatment at work, one of the main factors that comes to mind is salary. Salary is just one layer connected to the concept of equity. In general, equity is based on how employees are treated professionally. When employees are treated fairly, it greatly benefits the company they are working in. It’s imperative for organizations to have a forward-thinking attitude. Organizations need to set goals around the future of their employees. This means creating policies that are fair and equal for all, including equitable pay, a non-discriminatory environment, and positive workplace culture. Candidates desire an organization that will treat them fairly and equitably, and starting with a strong foundation of equitable pay for your employees is solid footing for establishing an equitable work culture for all.
Create An Atmosphere of Open Communication
Communication is one of the key elements for an organization to be successful. Employees should feel safe to come to their managers to talk about anything related to work and any obstacles they’re facing outside of work. Clear and transparent communication results in a stronger working relationship. You want to build a rapport with your teammates to earn their trust. Your teammates and employees need to know that they can trust you. Not only hearing from your employees but also addressing their needs and concerns will help strengthen their connection to your workplace. This in turn increases employee retention as well as loyalty and trust in their work environment.
Enforce Accountability at All Levels
Equity is a two-way street. It’s always crucial to remember that employees need to feel trust in their workplace to stay and continue working hard for the organization. According to Medium, “Every company and every boss enter into a psychological contract with their employees.” As much as employers can strive to create a safe work environment, employees at all levels of the organization need to be held accountable for their actions, so that the overall work culture is one of trust and community. The growth of an employee’s career path is in their hands, but without accountability and support systems, it would be near impossible for them to feel like they’re supported enough to grow and learn. Employees can only do so much, so it is also up to the employer to take up any slack.
Implement Flexibility and Work from Home Options
Now that working from home has become more allowed and accepted in many industries, burnout looks and feels different for many employees. We all need to take time away from work. Change the mindset of “personal time is only for the weekends.” Employees desire time for their personal lives. This is one of the biggest struggles for younger-tenured employees to understand. Some companies allow flexible schedules for employees so that they can complete their work in their own time. Flexible work hours can allow employees to work hard but also manage other day-to-day activities. It can also allow them to step away from the computer screen and rest their minds during the day, as long as they get their daily work done. A flexible work schedule can also help expand time for long and tedious assignments. Employees can split time for certain projects depending on their priority.
Follow Through with Feedback
Receiving feedback on a regular basis can help businesses improve the growth and efficiency of their teams. Feedback is necessary for an organization to succeed. Your employees need to believe that their workplace is willing to accept and implement feedback. Feedback can help build a loyal and trustworthy relationship between manager and employee. Organizations want feedback for them to improve their brand and business. The feedback should be genuine and constructive. We are all aware that change does not happen overnight. You need to give yourself time to think over the feedback given to you and follow up in the due process. This means following up with your colleagues on a semi-regular basis. Following up on feedback will keep you accountable for your actions and will allow you to develop a better relationship with your colleagues in the future.
Gauging Key Attributes for Equity in the Workplace
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