Did you know that 37% of women employees in India feel that they get lower pay and fewer growth opportunities than their male counterparts? Sad, isn’t it? Despite years of progressive efforts, inequality at the workplace is still prevalent in India.
It is high time HR take this issue seriously and start promoting gender equality in the workplace. So, what is gender diversity and how to incorporate it in the workplace? Keep reading as we outline every aspect for you in this blog.
Understanding Gender Equality in the Workplace
Gender equality means treating both male and female employees the same. To be more precise, gender equality means:
● Offering equal growth opportunities to both male and female employees
● Giving them access to the same facilities, resources, and awards
● Offering equivalent benefits and pay for comparable roles
● Taking care and acknowledging the professional needs of both the genders
Steps to Promote Gender Equality in the Workplace
In the current dynamic business environment, attaining gender equality is crucial for the growth and competitiveness of an organization. Here are some steps to introduce gender equality in the workplace.
Go for Diversity in Hiring
Did you know that 67% of the employees prefer heterogeneity in companies? So, the first thing that HR should do is to promote gender diversity in hiring.
Here are some tips:
● Introduce new job descriptions considering the requirements of both genders.
● Re-assess and revise the current job descriptions to broaden the pool of applications.
● Go for blind resumes and blind interviews.
● Roll out innovative company policies and programs to appeal to diverse talent.
● Bringing diversity in the top management can also help in promoting gender equality in the workplace.
● Harness the power of AI to eradicate prejudice from the screening process.
Equal Pay
Do you know that India ranks 112th on the Global Gender Gap Index? Introducing equal pay can help in bridging this gap. Here are some tips for introducing equal pay in the workplace:
● Establish transparency in pay policies.
● Share the salary and benefits structure with the employees. Also, let them know the relevant formulas that the organization uses to calculate salary increases.
● Review the criteria of offering bonuses, promotions, and benefits to the employees.
● Encourage remote working for women employees to bridge the gender pay gap in the organization. It will boost their productivity and engagement in the workplace.
Encourage Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance has taken a hit during the pandemic. The cases of stress, anxiety, and depression in employees have risen at an alarming rate. Here are some tips to boost work-life balance and promote better employee healthcare:
● Support mothers by introducing childcare facilities and flextime working systems.
● Paternal leaves should be made mandatory for male employees. It will give their wives some more time to invest in their careers.
● Introduce health programs for the mental well-being of the employees.
● Long working hours can take a toll on employees’ health. Therefore, emphasize efficient work and not just work.
● Last but not least, introduce mentorship programs to offer equal growth opportunities to both men and women.
Create an Open-Minded Work Atmosphere
McKinsey reports that the companies that promote gender diversity can earn 21% higher profits. Therefore, HR should focus on creating a friendly and open-minded atmosphere in the workplace. Here are some tips to go about it.
● Use gender-neutral language in official documents and stop stereotyping in the organization.
● Educate employees that everyone working in the organization is equal in the eyes of management.
● Promote a work culture where the workers know they are recognized based on their performance and talent.
● Departmental heads should work towards creating an inclusive work environment.
● Managers should know all their team members, irrespective of their background and gender.
Zero Tolerance for Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Workplace
Several laws are there to stop instances of gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the offices. But employers should also voluntarily step in and discourage such practices in the workplace. Here are some ways:
● Implement strict policies for gender discrimination, racism, bullying, and sexual provocation in the workplace.
● Take disciplinary actions against the guilty.
● Although women are more likely to face gender discrimination at work, men also, at times, go through it. Make sure you stay vigilant in both cases.
Here’s Our Take
Maintaining gender equality has become more crucial than ever. It is a holistic approach that benefits everyone — employees, organizations, and consumers. Fostering an open-minded work environment, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, along with other measures, is the key to maintaining gender equality in the workplace.
In other words, organizations that value people from all walks of life tend to book higher profits and lead the race.
