Companies all around are paying more attention to racial inequality in the workplace. It is a rising issue in the world right now, and places are realizing this isn’t the time to be quiet. The problem is that many minorities feel they are not treated with the same opportunities as others.
Change
The manner in which a company responds to events in society such as inequality, especially those that receive global media coverage can affect the company in many ways. You want the employees to feel safe and not to mistrust the authorities of the organization. Thus creating a better working environment for everyone involved.
Big and small companies are making a stand against racism and inequality and donating to civil right groups. Some are taking it a step further and not only donating money, but also committing to being an anti-racist employer.
Acknowledgment
Businesses in today’s society acknowledge diversity and inclusion, but being anti racist is new. You can see it in different procedures and in the ways in which employees are promoted. Companies need to be acutely aware of the reality of racism that may occur and inequality in their workplace.
Often enough leaders in the company are reluctant to talk about the racial inequalities in their organization. These leaders can make a difference by speaking up, not being defensive, and realizing that there is the possibility of a problem. Then the problem of inequality can begin to resolve.
Education
As the leader of a company, it is important to educate your staff and educate them on the realization of inequality. A way to have some positive impacts on the problem is to have diversity training. Some of the things that are covered in these training sessions can turn into goals that you have for the company. By keeping your employees accountable for these goals that have been set, it will set the path for improving the company in a positive way.
Talk and Resolve
As a company, when you sit down to discuss all the inequalities that are present in the business, it is most likely not going to all be positive. There will be hurdles to overcome and difficult conversations. Not everyone is going to agree with what is being said and done, and that may result in a loss of employees. Don’t worry though, it might be a positive loss, someone who can’t empathize with others is not an ideal coworker to have.
Taking steps to ensure that everyone in your company is treated equally will help in the overall success of business.