1. Equality
Staff Meeting
February 16, 2012
Andrea Buening
US Constitution: “We hold these truths to be self-
evident; that all men are created equal.”
Americans believe in having equal
rights, equal social obligations, and equal opportunities
based on the concept of individual merit
2. What is Equality?
Signifies correspondence between a group of different objects
Different kinds of equality
Formal Equality, Numerical, Proportional, etc.
TILC and Formal Equality
Equal does not mean identical
Two persons with equal status in a relevant respect, must
be treated equally
The working definition of Equality depends on the
business
Subjective to the business’s goals
may not fully conform with established or “authoritative”
definitions
The law protects people in the workplace
The concept embraces diversity
3. Equality is the Current term for
‘Equal Opportunities’
Based on legal obligation - complying with
anti-discriminatory legislation
Protects people from discrimination on which
group they belong to.
Sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion,
belief, or age, etc.
4. Equality in Businesses
Works to:
break down barriers, eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunity
Provide access for all groups both in employment, and to goods and services
Why is Equality important in a business environment?
Equality protects people in the workplace but also embraces diversity.
Embracing equality and diversity brings to an organization a wide range of
experience, ideas and creativity whilst giving the individual employee a feeling of
being enabled to work to their full potential.
5. Diversity and how it relates to
Equality
Equality and Diversity are not inter-changeable but inter-dependent.
There can be no equality of opportunity if difference is not valued
and harnessed and taken account of.
Diversity is respecting individual differences which can be numerous
Race Politics
Religion Culture
Ethnicity National origin
Disability Region
Socio-economic differences Gender
Family structure Sexual Orientation
Health Age
Values Marital Status
And more
6. How Equality Relates to TILC
Equality and diversity drive an organization to comply with anti-discrimination legislation as well as
emphasizing the positive benefits of diversity such as drawing on a wider pool of talent, positively
motivating all employees and meeting the needs of a wider customer base
TILC has a high percentage of employees who have disabilities, various racial backgrounds,
ethnicities, religious preferences, and has consumers with the same varied representation
TILC is providing information and encouragement toward equality and diversity training to better
serve the individuals we serve. It is my belief that Equality and Diversity training will become a new
employee requirement
Positive action creates Positive Reactions - we have seen this in TILC’s Continuing Improvement
Plan
Positive action levels the playing field so that everyone has access to the same opportunities. The
qualification floor remains the same
Employee representation, regarding race, age, ethnicity, disability and gender.
Consumer representation would be the same as the employees.
This is a very important part of TILC because simply said, we must treat others as we would want to
be treated to assure the best outcome for all concerned..
7. IDEAS for improving TILC’S Commitment to
the concept of Equality
Educate new staff about diversity principles at their initial training
Survey employees needs
Develop a mechanism for staff to report incidences of discrimination
Offer language classes other than English
Encompass Equality and Diversity policy with strategies and action plans that
managers, workers and other stakeholders can contribute to and benefit from.
Assign effective employees to act as role models and mentors
Encourage members of any under-represented group to apply for opportunities for
work
make it clear that selection will be based on their skills and experience and not just because
they are of a certain group.
Review existing policies
o Definitions
o Legislation requirements – state and federal
o Code of conduct
o Disputes and grievances
o Diversity and Equality policy
8. Suggestions for continually including the concept
of Equality in TILC’s daily operations
Behavior at work - We all act in a particular way. Our actions could be regarded as a
reflection of our personalities an it's our personalities that give us the skills and
aptitude we need to perform successfully at work, so the purpose of equality and
diversity training isn't to stifle this but to make sure that appropriate behavior is
maintained at all times.
Corporate Social Responsibility - It's not just the responsibility of the individual to be
aware of issues surrounding equality and diversity. Corporations must ensure that
their employees are given the necessary tools to perform effectively. Information
received through equality and diversity training is just as important as a office
equipment in performing tasks.
Cultural Awareness - Being sensitive to issues concerning age, race and gender I
more important than ever. In an increasingly diverse market place where it is as easy
to do business with someone on the other side of the world as it is to do business
with someone next door it is vital that employees and employers are aware of
cultural issues outside their immediate vicinity.
9. Why is this concept important to me as
a person?
I am a woman
I have two disabilities
I have opinions
I have beliefs
I have values
I want to be considered valid
I want to be viewed as a productive team player
I want to continue to challenge myself
I want to be respected
I want EQUAL OPPORTUNTIES
10. Why is this concept important to TILC
Diverse work groups are more creative
Diverse work groups make better decisions
Diverse work groups are better at identifying new
markets
Diverse work groups enjoy greater customer confidence
Diverse work groups have less discrimination claims and
lower employment-related costs
EQUALITY and DIVERSITY
improves moral,
and productivity.
11. Why is this concept important to me as an
employee of TILC
Personal Pride and Validity
Increased staff and employee confidence
Better productivity, creativity and
motivation
Better management skills
Improved interaction between those of
different cultures and backgrounds
Boost in company reputation
