Gender parity and care are crucial aspects of creating a safe, inclusive, and productive workplace for
all employees, irrespective of their gender identity. Gender issues at the workplace include but are
not limited to the gender pay gap, lack of opportunities for career advancement, work-life balance
challenges, and gender-based discrimination.
Here are the 4 must-have initiatives that responsible corporates need to implement for their
employees, regardless of their gender identity -
Fair compensation policies: Companies need to ensure that their employees are paid fairly for their
work, irrespective of their gender identity. Regular pay audits can help identify and address any gaps
in pay between male, female, and non-binary employees. The organization must discourage any kind
of salary negotiations that can lead to any employee being paid less than their peers.
Promoting diversity and inclusion: Companies should implement policies that promote diversity and
inclusion in hiring and promotion processes, regardless of the gender identity of the employees.
Equitable career advancement policies should be put in place, considering the diverse needs of all
employees. Diversity targets should be set, and leadership programs should be made available for
employees.
Work-life balance policies: Companies should implement policies that support work-life balance for
their employees, regardless of their gender identity. Such policies could include flexible work
arrangements, paid parental leave, and personal time off policies. This will enable employees to
balance their personal and professional lives, leading to better employee morale, retention, and
productivity.
Zero-tolerance towards discrimination and harassment: Companies should have a zero-tolerance
policy towards any form of discrimination and harassment, regardless of the gender identity of the
employees. Policies such as POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) should be strictly implemented,
and easy access channels should be made available to protect the victims.
These 4 initiatives are just the beginning for creating a gender-neutral workplace. The ultimate goal
should be to create a culture of inclusivity and sensitivity towards all employees, irrespective of their
gender identity. Corporate responsibility can and must play a significant role in addressing gender
issues at the workplace. Implementing such policies leads to higher productivity and business growth
for a company, while also creating a more equitable and caring workplace for all employees.
