Learning company Wildgoose have published their Diversity and Inclusivity in the Workplace survey and it indicates a shift in the areas that employees prioritise when it comes to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The results show that over 50 per cent of people feel inclusion of disabled people is the area that requires the greatest improvement within their organisation; with diversity of age groups coming in a close second at just under half. This raises concerns that dual discrimination based on disability and age is common practice in the workplace, highlighting a need for companies to undergo additional diversity training in this area.
Other significant findings from the research show that nearly half (47 per cent) of male employees don’t consider the gender pay gap to be a major issue, in comparison to the three quarters of females that do; a statistic that is particularly concerning given the recent publication of major organisations’ gender pay gaps, and continued media coverage of the issue. Interestingly, the gap between men and women narrows when it comes to equal promotional opportunities.
Commenting on the survey findings Jim Alexander, head of learning and development at Wildgoose said: “The findings from our survey highlight that despite organisations making headway in relation to diversity and inclusion policy, there is still a long way to go before we achieve inclusivity across all cross-sections of the workforce. Creating an inclusive culture can only happen when people throughout all tiers of organisations (from entry to c-suite level) fully understand the importance and benefits of Diversity and Inclusion to both business and people – and take meaningful action towards long-lasting change.”
Wildgoose have delivered their Inclusive Leadership programme for the likes of Direct Line Group and Atos, to educate industry leaders on the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
