The Benefits of Having an Equality Policy

Whilst many small business owners would disregard the suggestion of having an Equality Policy, considering it an unnecessary waste of time and effort, there are advantages to be gained.

Here are some of them!

It’s unlawful to discriminate against people at work on the grounds of gender, race, age, religion or belief, disability or sexual orientation.

• You can demonstrate that your business is taking steps to comply with the law.

Whilst many people try not to act or speak in a discriminatory manner, they might not be aware of what this entails, and would benefit from a reminder of the areas they should consider.

• Making staff aware of the issues through your Equality Policy and action Plan reduces the likelihood of them behaving erroneously, or making an accidental comment. Preparing them by stating which behaviour is unacceptable in your business could save some costly legal prosecutions in the future.

Companies that offer training to develop their workforce are usually regarded in a positive light.

• Providing training regarding equality, even if it’s limited to the details of your own policy and practice, puts you in that category.

Following an Equality Action Plan which strives to employ a workforce representative of the local social structure is likely to mean that you have workers from diverse backgrounds.

• Employing workers from diverse backgrounds allows you to draw on a wider range of skills and personal experience, which could bring innovative development ideas and imaginative solutions to your business

• This diversity might also introduce you to clients you would never have come into contact with

There are also commercial benefits to be gained by enterprises striving towards the goals of parity, accessibility and wider participation. Examples include:

· demonstrating a commitment to fairness could appeal to potential clients

· Word of mouth recommendation from a satisfied client who belongs to a group often discriminated against could help you access a specific target group

· creating a favourable image which satisfies the requirements of funding agencies (particularly from government and European Union sources) could help you access funding in the future

· you generate competitive advantage over rival enterprises that don’t demonstrate such a commitment to equality and diversity

· you are more likely to attract a committed workforce should your business expand in the future