Equity in the workplace: what it means and how to achieve it

Equity in the workplace is a common area of attention, yet there is a large grey area around the true meaning of equity and also, how it differs from equality. 

Equity tends to be realized when we see a holistic and lasting culmination of diversity, inclusion, and equality. These three components are key to achieving an equitable workplace.  

First, diversity begins at the recruitment stage. Not just in ensuring your organization has an image and culture that will attract people from different ethnic backgrounds, ages or genders, but in actually following through with hiring them. Reflecting diversity in your team is one of the best ways to encourage feelings of belonging. This can be especially important in smaller organizations, where having an unbalanced representation can be more noticeable. 

Next, we move to inclusion. It’s not enough to simply represent various types of people in your organization, everyone needs to feel valued. This can be achieved by encouraging open communication, giving everyone an opportunity to contribute, being transparent about expectations, and rewarding achievements with positive reinforcement. Encouraging all employees to share their ideas sends the message that everyone’s thoughts are valued equally. At this stage of empowerment is where we see equality come into play – when everyone is able to contribute to the company’s, and their own, growth and success at an equal level.

Once these three things are established, equity can be achieved – but it needs to last. The principles of diversity, inclusion and equality must continue long-term and become part of the fabric of the organization in order to achieve a truly equitable workplace. 

Leadership has the most important role in making this happen. By making the right decisions around talent acquisition, retention, promotion and compensation, and by modelling an environment of respect and inclusivity, employees will follow suit. In an equitable culture, employees are more engaged, more productive and more committed to the corporate goals and vision. 

Have you had success or challenges with implementing strategies for an equitable workplace? I’d love to hear them.