Is it harder to focus on workplace inclusiveness when times are hard?
Not according to Google, and public sector employer South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue - two employers from opposite ends of the workplace spectrum that believe diversity is as important as ever. Both see the importance of a broad mix of employees to help the organisation succeed, and both have had enthusiastic responses from employees keen to be part of their diversity-related programmes.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, which spoke to XpertHR (subscription required) about its diversity work, has not let the public sector funding cuts affect its focus on equality. It had to think hard about whether or not to cut back its investment in diversity, but it concluded that there is a clear business case for protecting it from cuts, not least because the organisation has to maintain a continuing awareness of the diverse needs of all community members, so it can fulfil its obligation to save lives and reduce fire risk and accidents.
It has just won an award for a peer mentoring programme initiated by the organisation's women's group, and delivered by the women, plus volunteers from other staff networking groups representing disability, sexual orientation, race, and religion and belief. The mentoring scheme gives much-valued support to employees who are affected by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue's restructuring programme - triggered by the need to make cuts totalling £10 million.
Global search-engine giant Google has also just reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, by extending its "Top black talent" mentoring programme, originally started in May 2010. This gives Google employees a chance to volunteer as mentors for black and ethnic minority students on degree level technology or business courses.
The scheme gives selected students one hour a week with a Google staff member, and is designed to help broaden Google's own staff diversity, but also to help people from different backgrounds get a foot on their chosen career ladder, wherever that may lead. What is heartening about this project is that it has inspired the enthusiasm of Google employees who, according to one of the company's directors, are keen to contribute their time to help others.
XpertHR's survey on compliance with the revised public sector equality duty found that regular, internal communication campaigns, engagement with employees, and interactive training have proved most successful in helping organisations advance their diversity agendas and gain staff buy-in.
Photo by CS McMahon
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