2 minute read
The Lens Toward Equity – Donna Dahl
by Donna Dahl
WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN THE LENS IS DIRECTED TOWARD EQUITY?
It is simply not possible to examine workplace equity without putting diversity under the microscope. One might guardedly assume that if diversity is not present, equity must be and, therefore, is not an issue. Said another way, if everyone on staff believes they have an equal opportunity to achieve equal pay, equal pay raises and equal chances at advancement in the company, equity must be present. But is equal opportunity enough?
Equity in the workplace covers a myriad of options. Pay equity is only one. While equity may be an issue all on its own, it may play out differently when diversity of practice is added into the mix. For instance, is your work culture in the habit of allotting men and women equal time for parenting leave? Are women typically hired for certain positions and men for others? Are their levels of responsibility similar? Is their pay the same? Why or why not? Would you be able to attract a member of the opposite sex to a certain position based on the salary for the position?
When I think of diversity, I think of a marriage of a variety of options with respect to the workplace. For instance, diversity could be practiced by seeking an employee base with a variety of skill sets. Also, diversity may come clothed in a variety of perspectives that contribute to lively discussion when approaching solutions to problems. Diversity may be included in a company policy to hire a diverse gender mix and to offer pay raises and promotions equitably. How should a company examine issues related to gender differences? Racial differences? Age differences? How may an employee address bias? Should a company be required to make its equity policies public record?
What are your beliefs about equal pay for equal work? What if you wrote your job description and placed an hourly monetary value beside each of the tasks you perform? What if equity was not only thought of in terms of the size of the paycheque but also in terms of the number of hours worked? In other words, this many dollars buys this much of your time.
Our workforce situation is in a state of flux. Workstations have become a moveable feast. Trips to the water fountain are being replaced with multiple episodes of online meetings. Workflow is being tracked on online software built for teams. Minimum wage is no guarantee for pay equity. Taking a serious look under the covers at unconscious biases that impact hiring habits, pay equity and work culture will shape the integrity of the practices within the workplace going forward.
