A diverse workforce often results in companies outperforming other companies. work equity can work through a strong, business-led approach – often with the help of inclusive workplace technology.
Most organizations have a long way to go to achieve workplace equity that makes everyone feel respected. It may be the main reason why diversity and inclusion efforts are struggling. But what exactly is workplace equity? How can we achieve it in the workplace?
What is workplace equity?
Equity in the workplace means that all employees are given an equitable and equal opportunity based on their individual needs. Equity recognizes that not all employees have access to the same opportunities and addresses the imbalance in opportunities available to them.
Why Workplace Equity Matters?
1.Create an inclusive and productive work environmentIf you're building a truly equitable workplace, you're also more likely to foster an inclusive work environment. In such an environment, people feel safe and are not afraid to show their true individuality. With their talents and ambitions, they also have their insecurities, doubts, and worries. In other words, a place where everyone can bring themselves to work and express their opinions freely.
people are more productive in an equitable and inclusive work environment. This is because when you consider people's individual needs, they are more likely to feel included and capable of performing their best. Most importantly, they are (better) prepared to advance in their careers.
2.Diverse perspectives support innovation
When people have equitable access to opportunities, they feel comfortable participating in discussions, sharing their thoughts, etc. It is well known that seeing challenges from multiple perspectives can spark innovation and help solve problems.
3.Retain employees
Companies with an inclusive (and equitable) culture have a 22% lower turnover rate. People who work in equitable, inclusive, and productive environments are generally more engaged and tend to stay longer in their organizations.
Success in the workplace depends on experiences of inclusion and equity.
What makes a workplace inclusive?
At its most basic, an inclusive work environment is one in which each employee feels valued and their differences are recognized for the unique contributions they bring to the organization And be recognized. An inclusive workplace celebrates and acknowledges diversity while taking steps to provide equitable and equal opportunity for every employee.
Inclusive workplace technology, like Kandao Meeting Pro, can be used to connect employees no matter where they are located or the size of the team. This technology enables teams to collaborate as much as possible—enhancing remote and in-room engagement with features such as high-definition video and high voice quality. This efficient workflow approach provides team members with many different ways to collaborate, further fostering an inclusive work environment where resources are easily accessible to all.
What makes a workplace equitable?
Equity focuses on creating a level playing field to ensure all employees have what they need to do their jobs successfully. This means workplace equity practices can be found across the organization – from ensuring workspaces are usable to adopting adaptable technology.
Empowering employees by providing resources that allow them to collaborate and work effectively is a key equity practice.
Technologies such as remote collaboration tools, synchronous and asynchronous communication tools, and huddle rooms promote inclusivity at work by providing teams with much-needed resources to work together. For example, Kandao Meeting Pro improves hybrid meetings with its proprietary smart system and 360-degree camera system, which can capture the faces of participants to maximize the information of participants, even if you are far away.
Technology supports equitable practices in the workplace through scalable and consistent work in team learning, communication, and collaboration. Learning opportunities, training, mentoring, and even networking events can be provided to blended teams through inclusive workplace technology such as Kandao Meeting Pro. When a hybrid meeting can be up and running in seconds, employees are more likely to connect with remote team members and create a work environment where everyone can participate and have a say.