The face of today’s society is a different one from even a few decades ago. We are made up of different genders and colors, ages and sexual orientations. A successful business will recognize all of these differences both in the workplace and when trying to serve consumers. An inclusive and diverse workplace encourages all team members to contribute at their highest potential, and a business can only benefit from such a rich combined perspective. There are several things a business can do to establish a safe and fair work environment where sexual harassment has no place.
Core values start at the top. Management has to set the tone and the standard for what is acceptable behavior. A clear policy against discrimination should be established so that employees can report incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation. If management values diversity and inclusion, then those values will filter through to the rest of the business.
Education and Diversity Are Key
Institute an education and training program for sexual harassment and discrimination so that employees learn to recognize the boundaries of appropriate behavior. Some people carry unconscious bias and, when made aware of their tendencies, can change. Recognition of the problem is the first step to stopping harassment and discrimination.
When hiring, set goals for diversity. The same can be said for assembling teams within the business. A diverse group will bring diverse experience to problem solving. Make sure that ideas and people are promoted on the basis of their merit and that clear criteria exist for hiring and promotion. In that way everyone will contribute their best effort knowing that it will be recognized.
Be flexible for employees with families – a good maternity leave policy helps attract and keep the best female employees, but of course this leave policy should apply to both genders and same sex marriages, too. Flex schedules or work from home options for returning parents enable those employees to maintain their best productivity levels.
Maintain an active dialogue about gender bias, harassment, and discrimination in your workplace. People should feel comfortable around these topics in order to promote a culture of openness and inclusion.
Consider salary parity between different genders and races and track the differences that exist. Assess turnover in staff as it pertains to these categories to see if there are any evident connections.
Evaluate your business’s public relations materials – what kind of message are you sending to your target audience? Publicizing your company’s commitment to a workplace free of sexual harassment and discrimination sends a positive message to consumers about what your company stands for. Proudly feature the diversity and inclusivity of your brand.
Cherry Hill Sexual Harassment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Defend Victims of Sexual Harassment in South Jersey
A workplace free of discrimination and harassment is one where all employees can feel included and work to their highest potential. If this is not the case where you are employed, you should know that discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation is against the law. The high skilled Cherry Hill sexual harassment lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. will customize your defense to deliver an optimal outcome for your case. Call us at 856-985-9800 or contact us online. We have offices in Red Bank and Marlton, New Jersey and serve clients throughout the state.