Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking

Question 1

Why is it important to tailor how you interact with different people?

Answer 1

• We work in a team, important to get on with everybody.
• If you get on, you will work better & be more effective.
• Everybody has their own individual preferences.

Question 2

What different roles are there in a team?

Answer 2

• Leader, the partner.
• Middle manager, the senior associates. They run the projects high level.
• Operational worker, me. Very hands on, in the detail.
• Secretary, does admin.

Question 3

Why is diversity important?

Answer 3

• It’s important not to discriminate, pick team on merits.
• Diverse team can create a large varying pool of talent, so together you can achieve more. E.g. pub quiz team is better if everyone has a different specialist subject.

Question 4

What is unconscious bias?

Answer 4

• We have bias, mostly subconscious, that can influence our choices.
• Essentially we tend to favour people that look more like us/our family, because we have positive memories (I suppose)?
• We should base our judgments purely on merit, not subconscious preconceptions we might have.

Question 5

How can firms tackle or prevent unconscious bias in the workplace?

Answer 5

• In recruitment, listing roles in multiple places, removing certain details that may discriminate individuals and having a diverse interview panel.

Question 6

What is the equality act 2010?

Answer 6

• Act provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.

Question 7

What does the equality act protect?

Answer 7

• age.
• disability.
• gender reassignment.
• marriage and civil partnership.
• pregnancy and maternity.
• race.
• religion or belief.
• sex.
• Veganism??

Question 8

What is IEQM?

Answer 8

• Inclusive Employer Quality Mark.

Question 9

What is the purpose of IEQM?

Answer 9

• The purpose of IEQM is to encourage firms be it small or large, to put inclusivity at the heart of their employment practices. An inclusive workforce is a competitive workforce, mirroring both their clients and the community.

Question 10

What is discrimination and what are the two types?

Answer 10

• Discrimination is when individuals are treated differently due to a protected characteristic they possess e.g. race, ethnicity, religion and etc.
• The two types of discrimination are:
  
  • Direct - treated less favourably than others.
  • Indirect - more objective in the sense that rules apply to everyone but may put certain individuals with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage.

Question 11

What is harassment?

Answer 11

Treated in a way that violates one’s dignity or is offensive.

Question 12

What is victimisation?

Answer 12

Treated unfairly as a result of raising a complaint about discrimination or harassment.

Question 13

Why is diversity and inclusivity important in the workplace?

Answer 13

It is important for a number of reasons such as:
- attracting individuals from divers backgrounds;
- Establishing a sense of belonging;
- Encourage employees to feel more connected;
- Increase productivity;
- Employees feel more valued and accepted.

Question 14

How can firms encourage a more inclusive environment in the workplace?

Answer 14

Implementing certain standards and certifications such as:
- Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE);
- RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark (IEQM);
- ISO 30415 (Human Resource Management - Diversity and Inclusion);
- Arranging social events where all individuals can feel accepted to foster team collaboration and build relationships with wider team members if part of a large firm.