equity or equality

​It’s International Women’s Day today, an important day each year as is International Men’s Day which is the 19 November this year! This year’s campaign is #embraceequity.
 
Isn’t Equity and Equality the same?
 
Short answer is no, they’re not but let me give you some more to think about! 
 
Equity and Equality are often used interchangeably however the concept of the words are completely different.   

Equality is focused on everyone having the same advantage.  Whilst this is great, it still means that there is a difference in the experience, that everyone will have.  Take the image above, imagine there is now a fence which they are trying to look over, the person on the far right will still have a lesser view that the person on the far left. 
 
Equity is focussed on adjusting the advantage/support for each individual so that the whilst the ‘starting blocks’ may be different the experience for the individual is the same. If you take the image above on the right you can see that all of the ‘heads’ are aligned.  
 
Another way to consider this is if you are having a running race with a child, would you:

1. Start from the same place and at the same time – therefore you’re more likely to win; or 
2. Give the child an advantage, maybe you run slower, start later, and start further away so that they have a chance to win.

 
Whichever option you choose in this scenario is up to you of course but answer 1 would be equality and 2 is Equity. 
 
Why does this matter for work?
 
If we continue to have a focus on equality the experience for all individuals will remain inconsistent, but still why does that matter? 
 
Equity means that we are creating an inclusive world, but this isn’t just for International Women’s Day it is for all employees, customers, and anyone whom we interact with.  Ensuring that all individuals are given the right support or have the right adjustments in place for a fairer world, yes there will still be those that win and those that come last but at least we all have a fairer chance!
 
Can you measure equity?
 
Yes, you can but it will vary within each business as to how so there isn’t a set formula.  One consistency in approach is though that you should get company-wide input on how this is done.  This is so that you are taking the view of the workforce on equity means and looks like to each team member.      
 
Why would you?
 
Why would you not?    
 
By taking equity seriously you are:

• supporting your employees to be their best
• improving productivity and effectiveness, if your employees are performing your business will perform.
• Your brand/business reputation will increase.
• This will help attract candidates to work for your company.

 
The Chartered Institute for Personnel & Development (CIPD) recommend that businesses should consider six key areas of diversity practice and strategy when considering Equity and Inclusion.  These are: 

Need some help?
 
Be You Consultancy can support your business through a review of how you could improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within your company.  It may be a review of policies or talking with your employees, we tailor our services to meet your needs. After all, we want you to be the best and enable your employees to be their best authentic selves.
 
If you would like to discuss this further, then please <contact me>.