Why is the Equality and Diversity agenda important in the workplace - Essay Example

Importance of Equality and Diversity Agenda in the Workplace Importance of Equality in the Workplace Equality and diversity plays an important part in ensuring that workers are comfortable and appreciate their differences such as exist in the form of disabilities, race, sex, colour, gender, national origin and religion. Equality in the workplace is important in that, it ensures all employees are treated fairly and respected (Collins 1995). The application of equality ensures that selection of recruits for employment, training and promotion are based on hardworking and the abilities of the employees.

Equality at the workplace helps in maintaining a balance in the way people are treated and distributes justice equally among the workmates. This being the case, the allocation of rewards and compensation among individuals is fairly done. Having equality and appreciating diversity in the workplace enables all the workers to have same working opportunities with due regard to the differences that exist between individuals (Garbers and Dupper, 2009). Failure to treat people equally at within the organizational setup may damage the culture and reputation of the company.

Treating people equally in a workplace is essential if the organization has to operate effective and production maintained high. This is because inequality leads to poor morale among workers and sometimes laziness among those who are favoured (Garbers and Duppers, 2009). Equality also removes certain barriers to employment and career success for minority groups such as discrimination. Importance of Diversity Agenda in the WorkplaceThe existence of diversity in the workplace in some cases leads to an increasing in positive competition and higher efficiency as the organisation hires qualified and energetic people and who have varieties of talents and skills (Cornelius, 2002).

This helps and motivates the employers to develop their potentials and talents of the workforce hence utilising and maximising the efficiency of the organisation. Every employee in the organisation is entitled to a working condition that that promotes self esteem and respect in spite of their differences. Diversity in the workplace makes employees be able to understand and appreciate other people’s cultures according to Estlund (2003). Diversity in a work place, honours and appreciates skills, talents and knowledge of people at work by adding special richness toward teamwork and cohesiveness.

The existence of diversity in the company provides an opportunity to workers to learn new skills and foster their various talents. Profit and non-profit companies requires diversity to become innovative, creative and open to changes hence it is a key component which improves productivity of the organisation (Cox 1993).Diversity in work place is significant because it brings fresh ideas and views to an organisation hence making effective communication to diverse clients possible in a multicultural environment (Jackson, 1992).

Furthermore diversity in the workplace increases marketing capabilities as diverse employees may better be able to provide insight in making various decisions. ReferencesCornelius N, 2002, Building Workplace Equality, Thomson Publishing.Collins H, 1995, Equality in the Workplace, Blackwell Publishers Cox T, 1993 Cultural Diversity in Organisations .Theory, Research and Practice. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler.Garbers C. and Dupper O., 2009, Equality in the Workplace, JutaEstlund C, 2003, Working Together: how workplace Bonds Strengthen a Diverse Democracy, Oxford University PressJackson E, 1992, Diversity in the Workplace: human resources initiatives, Gilford Press.