Diversity and Inclusion

Question 1

What is workplace diversity?

Answer 1

• Diversity in the workplace relates to the acceptance and inclusion of employees of all backgrounds.

Question 2

What are some advantages of a diverse team?

Answer 2

• Increased productivity - A diversity of talent will result in a broader range of skills amongst the team and result in increased productivity.
• Increased creativity - Differing skill sets and perspectives within the team will increase the chance of generating solutions to workplace problems.
• Improved cultural awareness - A diverse range of cultures within the workplace allows companies to operate more effectively within a global market place.

Question 3

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 3

• A culturally inclusive environment requires mutual respect, effective relationships, clear
  communication, understanding of expectations and critical self-reflection.
• Within an inclusive environment, people of all cultural orientations can freely express who they are, their own opinions and points of view.

Question 4

Describe to me some features that might be implemented to comply with the Equality Act?

Answer 4

Accessible facilities - ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms, clear signage, designated parking, adjustable desks

Question 6

What are the key pints within the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 6

Protected Characteristics: The Act protects people from discrimination based on specific characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation1.

Types of Discrimination: It covers various forms of discrimination, such as direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation2.

Areas of Protection: The Act applies to many areas, including employment, education, access to goods and services, housing, and public functions3.

Public Sector Equality Duty: Public bodies must consider how their policies and decisions affect people with protected characteristics and take steps to eliminate discrimination and promote equality

Question 7

Please explain your understanding of inclusion within the workplace?

Answer 7

• Inclusion within the workplace is creating an environment and culture where all company employees feel like they belong in the organization.
• This results in every employee being comfortable to voice their opinions and that no one person feels excluded on the basis of their identity.

Question 8

What is meant by the term unconscious bias?

Answer 8

• Unconscious bias refers to the associations and assumptions that a person may have about someone solely because of their race, gender or disability.
• These judgements are made automatically without conscious awareness.