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Gender equality is a widely discussed topic nowadays. Even so, gender inequality in the workplace still exists, which means not all employees receive equal opportunities and treatment at work. Even though significant progress has been made over the years, there are several differences between men vs. women in the workplace in Hong Kong, including unequal pay, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
The importance of gender equality in the workplace is that it can have a drastic impact on the company and its employees, with benefits like increased productivity and higher job satisfaction. Job seekers in Hong Kong are also looking for employers who prioritize gender diversity, making it easier to attract and retain top talent and access a larger talent pool.
So how does a company create a more supportive work environment? Our friends at Pacific Prime Hong Kong are here to offer solutions to gender inequality for business owners.
Start during the recruitment process
From using gender-neutral language in job descriptions to involving more people during the interview process, there are many ways that a company can promote diversity as a core value. What’s more, employers can include more women on shortlists, utilize skill-based assessments, and conduct structured interviews in appropriate locations.
Implement an Equal Pay Policy
It’s imperative to pay employees equally if they’re performing the same job, no matter their gender. Along with making staff feel valued, having an Equal Pay Policy in place will also foster a productive and positive work environment. Employers can set annual market rate goals, conduct pay equality audits, and apply a structured promotion process.
Provide opportunities for career development
Did you know that fewer women are hired for executive roles? By offering skill development opportunities in the workplace, employers can help build a more diverse and skilled workforce. This benefits the company in several ways, such as increased productivity and better problem-solving.
Offer unconscious bias training programs
Unconscious bias training programs can help increase employee awareness surrounding their own biases. It also gives them useful tools to mitigate said biases, thereby increasing productivity, innovation, and creativity. By reducing harassment and discrimination, these programs can also raise employee morale and retention.
Foster an open and transparent company culture
Companies can provide a safe environment for their workforce by focusing on transparency and openness. It’s important for employees to feel comfortable speaking up about any issues they experience with their team members, manager, or HR. If they are afraid of repercussions, they are less likely to discuss these issues.
Additionally, companies can show that they care about their employees by holding managers accountable for their members and addressing any issues as they arise. While these are just some of the many ways that employers can promote gender equality in the workplace, taking any of these measures is a step in the right direction.