Data from HR and Payroll company SD Worx has revealed that almost a third (32%) of companies have no system in place that enables employees to report instances of discrimination. Though an encouraging 68% of businesses are committed to removing unconscious bias from the recruitment process, many are still facing an uphill struggle when it comes to implementing a solid system that tracks against DEI objectives.
According to the research, the UK ranks third in its commitment to removing unconscious bias in the workplace (68%), behind Belgium in second (69%) and Ireland in first (74%). However, when it comes to equal access to training, the UK lags behind other countries with only 64% of companies saying they invest in access to training and development opportunities.
Despite HR’s efforts, there is still a lack of clearly defined actions such as transparent reporting systems and the evaluation of the leaders’ commitment to achieving diversity goals. A quarter of UK-based businesses surveyed reported that they ‘very much’ provide such evaluation but a third said they have no system that enables employees to report discriminatory actions.
An important measure in addressing workplace discrimination relates to simple awareness and monitoring that HR can easily implement. All too often, policies and programmes are put into place without due consideration of the effect that they may have on individuals. Even when the data is brought to the leaders’ attention sometimes the organisation may choose not to act, instead, adopting a ‘head in the sand’ approach.
Monitoring will involve the collection of data however, other measures such as consulting with affected communities, system reviews and research of other jurisdictions are also important aspects of monitoring.
Monitoring alone is not sufficient and steps must be taken to change policies and drive the organisation forward to achieve its DEI goals. If a problem is revealed through monitoring or otherwise comes to the organisation’s attention through an anonymous reporting system, steps should be taken to remove systemic barriers, ameliorate disadvantages and promote substantive equity.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
