Originally published July 11, 2023 , updated on June 1, 2023

Promoting gender equity in the workplace is no longer a trend or a fad – it’s a necessity. For decades, companies have been working to achieve balance and fairness in their workforce. But it’s not just about ticking a box or fulfilling a requirement.

Gender equity is an issue of equal opportunity for all, regardless of gender or other personal characteristics. So, why should you introduce gender equality in your workplace? 

Apart from ethical reasons, gender equality and equity has several business benefits. They help create a more diverse and inclusive work environment that can improve employee satisfaction, increase productivity, and even boost your company’s bottom line. 

So, if you are a forward-thinking business owner who wants to stay ahead of the competition and reduce gender inequality, then now is the time to act.

What Is Gender Equity

It’s vital to understand the difference and significance between gender equity and equality. 

Gender equality is an essential element of human rights and fundamental freedoms that should be granted to everyone regardless of gender. It’s about fair and equal treatment without allowing gender discrimination to influence the decision-making process. 

On the other hand, gender equity is a concept that carries a greater sensitivity toward acknowledging and addressing the real-world obstacles experienced by individuals of different genders. It considers the different needs and challenges experienced by different genders and ensures the necessary measures are put in place to level the playing field and reduce gender inequality. 

Gender equity leaves no stone unturned in ensuring everyone has an equal chance to succeed. It also helps to highlight the main causes of gender inequality within and outside the workplace. 

The Current Landscape

Although there have been notable improvements in women’s representation in corporate America in recent years, according to a McKinsey study, there is still a significant gender gap that needs to be bridged. 

Women, especially women of colour, are underrepresented at every level compared to their male counterparts. Sadly, even with the same attrition rates and earning more bachelor’s degrees than men, women are less likely to be hired into entry-level positions. This directly impacts their chances of moving up the corporate ladder. 

It’s disheartening to learn that for every 100 men promoted to manager status, only 86 women achieve manager status. As a result, this gap creates a vicious cycle where fewer qualified women are promoted from within, remaining one of the leading causes of gender inequality. The McKinsey report forewarns us that unless companies take dedicated action toward gender equality, this pattern will continue indefinitely.

Therefore, organisations must prioritise diversity and take necessary measures to bridge the gap to achieve equal representation, reduce gender inequality, and reap the benefits of diverse perspectives and experiences in the decision-making process.

Five Ways Companies Can Close the Gender Gap and Promote Gender Equity

The fight for gender equity in the workplace is ongoing. While companies have made strides in hiring more women, it’s not enough. To truly create a more inclusive workplace, cultural and organisational changes must take place. 

Simply having diversity in the workplace isn’t enough if women don’t feel supported and valued. Companies should prioritise creating equal opportunities and fair compensation for all employees, regardless of gender. 

By actively trying to close the gender gap, businesses can create a more diverse, inclusive, and ultimately successful workplace.

Below are five simple yet effective ways to enhance the efforts of and promote gender equity in your company. 

1. Unlock Diversity Through Recruitment

A diverse and equitable workplace ensures that all employees feel comfortable and included. Gender equity is no exception; creating it starts with the recruitment process. 

Employers must strive to create job descriptions that are accurate and inclusive to attract gender-diverse candidates. Sourcing a gender-diverse candidate pipeline and conducting fair interviews are also essential to ensure a level playing field. Eliminating internal bias is critical to achieving true gender equality. 

These measures should be applied at every level of seniority, but it is especially vital for executive positions. By prioritising diversity, you can build a stronger, more inclusive team that drives innovation, fosters creativity, and achieves greater success. 

2. Provide Equal Pay

Ensuring your employee compensation program is fair, equitable, and transparent is essential to creating an inclusive workplace. One of the most important aspects of achieving this is offering equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. This promotes gender equality and attracts and retains top talent. 

It’s important to remember that competitive and fair compensation encompasses employee benefits, such as healthcare, retirement plans, and other perks that can improve employees’ quality of life. Promoting fair and transparent compensation can build a more engaged and motivated workforce.

3. Offer Extra Support

Many companies struggle to retain their female workforce, especially mothers who face unique challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities. Offering comprehensive benefits and more opportunities for better work-life balance can greatly alleviate this stress and reduce the risk of burnout. 

Providing better access to child care and embracing flexible work arrangements like remote work, hybrid work, and flexible scheduling can significantly reduce the burden on working moms and promote gender equity. Not only can these changes increase job satisfaction and overall well-being, but they can also allow more women to actively participate and excel in the corporate world. 

Companies that prioritise the needs and concerns of their employees will not only benefit from a more diverse and inclusive workplace but will also foster a more loyal and engaged workforce overall.

4. Provide a Diversity and Inclusion Training Programme 

Creating a positive work environment is beneficial for your employees and the success of your business. It’s essential to provide your employees with the right tools to understand what is and isn’t acceptable in the workplace. 

A diversity training program can help bolster gender equity in the workplace in this regard as it is tailored specifically to your business. Through this programme, your employees can gain awareness of any inherent biases or prejudices they may have unwittingly harboured. 

Attendees will be encouraged to actively participate and share their experiences, with a focus on promoting allyship. Such training is likely to result in a more harmonious and understanding work environment where every employee feels valued regardless of their background.

5. Sculpt an Inclusive Company Culture

In today’s fast-paced business world, creating a sense of belonging and acceptance within a company is crucial. It’s no longer enough to simply hire diverse employees; companies must cultivate a culture of inclusivity to reap the benefits. 

Employees who feel valued and accepted are more likely to be engaged with their work, which can spur innovation and creativity. Additionally, fostering a culture of inclusivity can help retain valuable talent and reduce attrition rates. 

Gender equity is just one aspect of inclusivity. Companies must also focus on improving the overall employee experience by creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.

The Bottom Line

Reducing gender inequality and promoting gender equity in the workplace can have major benefits for business and society as a whole. If you’d like to learn more about how your company can boost equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts, visit Goodman Lantern’s offered services. 

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