Gender diversity and inclusion are improving in workplaces across the United States, despite the problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But, there’s unfortunately still a long way to go.
But, why does that matter? Let’s go through why gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace are extremely important, and what you can do to improve your workplace.
Why Is Gender Diversity Important?
Gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace are important because, well, women make up fifty percent of the world’s population. So, having voices in the room that reflect half of the country means that your company will be able to ensure that it’s not missing anything in its product and marketing strategies.
Plus, women have plenty of talent, qualifications, and training. So if you don’t make an effort to properly include women in your workplace, you’re not hiring the most qualified candidates for every position.
Having more women in the workplace also improves the quality of life for everyone. It allows women to return to work, particularly if they’ve had to leave the workforce after having children.
It also allows men to have more flexibility if their partner has a job, they may be able to spend more time at home and less time working. This allows for a better work-life balance and prevents burnout.
Intersectionality Matters
Gender isn’t the only factor that impacts women’s inclusion in the workplace. Intersecting identities can cause some women to have even lower amounts of access and inclusion.
For example, Black women face bigger barriers in terms of workplace diversity and inclusion than white women do. That’s because they also face discrimination based on their race, not just based on their gender.
Class also plays a major part in this issue. Women without economic stability may not be able to afford the childcare they would need to rejoin the workforce.
How to Improve Gender Diversity in the Workplace
There are lots of ways an individual company can improve gender diversity in the workplace. Providing childcare is one big factor.
You should also be requiring diversity training for every single one of your employees. This will make sure that your human resource department and hiring managers are hiring qualified and capable women, and that the women in your workplace feel respected. Plus, this will help make sure that women are promoted more regularly, and recognized for their work.
You’ll also want to get rid of other barriers that cause women to get pushed out of the workplace. Workplace sexual harassment can be one big factor. You should also institute sexual harassment training for all of your employees.
Improve Your Workplace Gender Diversity ASAP
There’s no time to waste improving gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace isn’t just a helpful business measure, but necessary for making our world a better and more inclusive place.
Do you want to ensure that everyone in your workplace feels safe and supported? Invest in diversity training for all of your employees today.
