Policy on Discrimination

In reality there is only one policy on discrimination = Equality.

Having a policy on discrimination in the modern workplace is essential. We often hear about ‘the modern workplace’ and while cultures vary wildly one thing that isn’t tolerated is discrimination.

What is discrimination?

Quite simply it’s anything where an person might receive comments or unfair treatment related to their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

There is anti discrimination legislation in almost every country worldwide. Some enforce it more than other but if you operate in the US, Canada or Europe the consequences beyond losing great employees can land employers, managers and directors in court.

Challenges

  • Older staff who refuse to change old habits
  • Heavily male or female dominated professions e.g. factories or secretarial
  • Growing companies

The above is just a very short list of some of the more obvious challenges. In all cases talking to staff early on or getting honest feedback through managers as to what they think is important when defining your policy on discrimination.

Discrimination as a culture

Cultures between organisations vary hugely especially between larger and smaller organisations. Where larger organisations tend to be very cut and clear on policies, in smaller organisations relationships can blur between what is work and what is friendly conversation between two friends. The commonality between the two is that there should always be multiple ways for a member of staff to report if they feel they are being discriminated against.

We don’t currently offer a template policy on discrimination but you can find a sample policy here.

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