The theme of International Women's Day in 2023 was #EmbraceEquityto get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren't enough. Workplace equity is the concept of providing fair opportunities for all employees and candidates based on their individual needs. We explore how employers can change the conversation from equal opportunities, which can often be exclusionary to equitable opportunities which hold true inclusivity at its core.

Equality versus Equity: What's the difference?
Equity, on the other hand, means acknowledging and addressing the disparities that exist between different groups of people based on factors such as race, gender, social class, and ability. It requires taking into account the unique challenges and needs of each group and providing them with the necessary resources and support to overcome those challenges and achieve success.
In summary, while equality focuses on equal treatment for all, equity seeks to address the underlying reasons for inequality and ensure that everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

How can employers move to place equity at the heart of their inclusion journeys?
We believe that we should #embraceequity not just for one day, but every day. Workplace equity is the concept of providing fair opportunities for all employees and candidates based on their individual needs.
Here are 5 tips to consider whether you're starting an inclusion journey, are motivated to make changes or are well on the way to turning the dial in creating true equity in your organisation :
Here are 5 tips to consider whether you're starting an inclusion journey, are motivated to make changes or are well on the way to turning the dial in creating true equity in your organisation
#1 Understand gaps in employment and career breaks
#2 Don't use spelling and grammar mistakes as a primary reason to reject a CV
#3 Role model, elevate and celebrate
#4 Put words into action
#5 And finally... Encourage employee feedback and engagement
Action for equity is never done, give your people the tools they need to succeed. By embracing equity, companies can create a more inclusive environment where employees feel valued and supported, which can ultimately lead to increased productivity, innovation, and employee retention.
One key reason why companies should embrace equity is that it can help to reduce discrimination and promote diversity in the workplace. When employees feel that they are being treated fairly and equally, regardless of their background, they are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives. This can lead to a wider range of viewpoints being considered, which can in turn lead to more creative solutions to problems and better decision-making.
In addition to promoting diversity and reducing discrimination, embracing equity can also help companies to attract and retain top talent. In today's competitive job market, employees are looking for companies that value their contributions and treat them with respect. By creating a culture of equity, companies can set themselves apart from their competitors and build a reputation as an employer of choice.
Ultimately, embracing equity is not just the right thing to do from a moral standpoint; it is also good for business. By creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture, companies can drive innovation, increase productivity, and attract and retain top talent.
Curious about diversity? We have further reading for you.
Check out our latest guide to 'Embrace every kind of mind: a guide to creating neuro-inclusive working environments'