Black History Month (BHM) provides an opportunity for people to continue listening, learning and educating themselves and others on the important contributions of black people throughout history.
This year the theme is ‘Proud To Be’ with the aim of celebrating being Black, and to inspire and share the pride people have in their heritage and culture. This blog is dedicated to how businesses can work together to increase and create more socio-economic diversity in the workplace.
To this day the work achieved by Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King. And many others have influenced a much needed change in many workplaces across the UK. However, evidence suggests there’s still a long way to go. A YouGov poll which questioned 1,270 adults revealed that over half of black Britons say they are as likely to have encountered racism in the workplace. As they are to have experienced it on the street. 85% said they felt racism was present in UK society today.
A ‘Racism at Work Survey’ found 65% of ethnic minority workers in the last 5 years had harassment at work. One-third of employees from a Black, Asian and mixed background stated they had experienced insensitive questioning. These figures should encourage everyone to create a fair and equal work environment. Constructing a fair and diverse workplace to challenge discrimination in all forms and has many benefits.
There is always room for improvement in a business and many methods to improve diversity and socio-economic representation in workplaces. This can be done by having diversity in the workplace.
Educating
Educate employees on what actions are acceptable and are not. If everyone knows and understands the signs of exclusionary behaviour, then everyone can contribute to making an inclusive environment. It’s important that everyone in a workforce recognises their role.
In order to teach employees about this, you may want to bring in a guest speaker. Or even appoint a member of staff whose responsibility is to conduct training to the wider business.
Progression and training programmes
When hiring, reduce obstacles like academic qualifications where possible. Offer training ensuring clear progression paths that are accessible to all levels. A way of doing this could be partnering with schools or colleges. Showing students from all backgrounds that there’s access to a vast range of opportunities like apprenticeships and internships.
Overall workplace assessment
Depending on the number of employees, build a survey or gather a discussion group to voice any concerns. By asking questions such as “How much influence do you believe you have in our company?”. “How integrated do you feel?” it will allow you to asses accurately. And find out how inclusive your workplace really is. After this a strategy can be put in place.
Culture
Showcase role models in the businesses who conduct themselves in an appropriate way. These can be senior members of staff or stake holders who play a vital role in developing inclusion.
Ensure processes are in place through which employees, including ethnic minority groups, can highlight issues about inequality and be heard.
Workplaces need to act in order to create diversity in the workplace. Little change will happen if no one takes action. “Learning from history, combined with a collective effort and proactive approach has the power to continue to develop the workplace!”
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