All month long we’ve been discussing women in business, everything from how female entrepreneurs use certain resources to develop their brands to an examination on the hurdles they face to succeed in the world of business. Our blog this week takes the conversation further with some examples of how employers (and HR) can support women in their workplaces, and by doing so, how it contributes to the dismantling of gender biases in business.
How to combat gender bias in the workplace
- Identify the problem(s). This means you’re looking at hiring, firing, promoting, etc. practices for trends and if those trends reveal biases. This information is essential before any plan of action can be made.
- Adopt diversity strategies for recruiting. One example would be auditing job descriptions to ensure they do not contain gendered language. Another is implementing company policies that could attract a wider range of candidates, such as flexible working schedules and community volunteering.
- Outsource gender diversity training. And remember, training should be required on an ongoing basis, not just a one-time thing.
- Provide access to resources. Examples include skill trainings and a mentorship program. Investing in your employee’s careers has proven to be beneficial for both worker and employer.
- Equal pay practices. Put simply, unless women and men are paid equally at a company, the movement to dismantle other gender biases can’t even get started.
Companies that weave these practices into the fabric of their culture are most successful at maintaining equal treatment amongst their team. It’s important that programs and policies be evaluated regularly for effectiveness and changed when needed. Want to make sure your practices support an equitable workplace? Eos HR is that team. We offer tailored plans that ensure small business owners have the resources they need to lead a productive and happy team. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.