Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking

Question 1

What is unconscious bias?

Answer 1

Social stereotypes about certain groups of people/individual traits that people form outside of their own conscious awareness.

Associations and assumptions that a person may have about someone solely based on their race, gender or disability.

Major contributor to a lack of workplace diversity.

Question 2

Ways to reduce unconscious bias?

Answer 2

1) Awareness

2) Time to reflect

3) Observing facts and avoiding making assumptions

4) Open minded approach

5) Positive thinking

6) Understanding of the protected characteristics

Question 3

Legislation governing D&I?

Answer 3

Equality Act 2010

Question 4

What is the purpose of Equality Act?

Answer 4

Protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a more fair and equal society.

Question 5

What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act?

Answer 5

There are 9 in total.

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation

Question 6

Types of discrimination

Answer 6

1) Direct

2) Indirect

3) Harassment

4) Victimisation

Question 7

What is workplace diversity?

Answer 7

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

2) Ensuring diversity in the workplace is an important asset of an organisation as it acknowledges the individual strengths of each employee and the potential they bring.

Question 8

What are the advantages of a diverse team?

Answer 8

1) Increased productivity:

A diversity of talent will result in a broader range of skills amongst the team and result in increased productivity.

2) Increased creativity:

Differing skill sets and perspectives within the team will increase the chance of generating solutions to workplace problems.

3) Improved cultural awareness:

A diverse range of cultures within the workplace allows companies to operate more effectively within a global market.

4) A positive reputation:

Companies that have a diverse workplace are often perceived as better employers. Potential employees want an employer who accepts and is tolerant of all backgrounds and who treats their employees fairly.

Question 9

Please explain your understanding of inclusion within the workplace?

Answer 9

Creating an environment and culture where all company employees feel like they belong in the organisation.

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 10

What are some types of teams?

Question 11

What is the Tuckman Theory?

Answer 11

Bruce Tuckman (1965) focuses on how a team tackles a task. Originally consisted of 4 phases, a 5th phase was added later.

1) Forming

2) Storming

3) Norming

4) Performing

5) Adjourning/ Transforming

Question 12

What is the Herzberg Theory?

Answer 12

1) Frederick Herzberg (1959).

2) Two factor motivational theory.

3) Workers are motivated to work harder through motivators such as: Empowerment, Job enlargement, Job enrichment.

4) Workers can become de-motivated if hygiene factors are not met such as: Pay, Relationships, Working Conditions.

Question 13

Which part of Building Regulations relate to inclusivity?

Answer 13

Part M

Ensures that buildings are accessible, not only to disabled people, those with limited mobility and wheelchair users, but also to people who regularly use prams and other wheeled devices.

Question 14

Adaptations to buildings to make them inclusive?

Answer 14

Consider mental and physical disabilities:

1. Clear signage
2. Sound proof booths
3. Prayer room
4. Disabled WCs
5. Unisex WCs
6. Plants, heating/ comfort cooling, lighting and ventilation
7. Lift
8. Ramp or level access
9. Wide door frames to allow wheelchair access