Creating a Discrimination-Free Workplace

At Starfish People HR, we know that a truly successful business is built on respect, fairness, and inclusion. Company culture isn’t just about office banter or team lunches
it’s about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, safe, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. In today’s fast-changing world, understanding and upholding the principles of equality is not only the right thing to do, it’s also a strategic imperative.

What Are Protected Characteristics?

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to treat someone unfairly at work because of their protected characteristics. These include:

• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Gender Reassignment
• Marriage/Civil Partnership
• Religion or Belief
• Pregnancy or Maternity
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation

Each of these characteristics is legally safeguarded, meaning that any form of discrimination be it direct or indirect is not just morally wrong, but illegal.

What Does Unfair Treatment Look Like?

Unfair treatment can manifest in various ways:

• Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favourably because of their protected characteristic.
• Indirect Discrimination: Implementing policies or practices that, while seemingly neutral, disproportionately disadvantage certain groups.
• Harassment: Unwanted behaviour that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.
• Victimisation: Punishing someone for asserting their rights under the Equality Act.

Even subtle actions can have a huge impact. What might seem like an offhand remark or a minor oversight can leave an individual feeling undervalued and isolated, which, over time, chips away at your company’s culture.

The Recruitment Process: A Critical Moment for Equality

It’s easy to think that discrimination issues only arise once someone is employed, but the law protects candidates right from the recruitment stage. This means you must be vigilant from the moment you start reviewing applications to when you make an offer. There have been instances where job offers were retracted for discriminatory reasons, leading to legal claims and damaged reputations.

Ensuring that your recruitment process is fair and unbiased not only protects you legally but also sets the tone for the kind of culture you want to cultivate. Remember, a diverse and inclusive team can drive innovation and improve overall performance.

Your Responsibilities as an Employer

Being an employer comes with a significant responsibility. Not only are you accountable for your own actions, but you’re also responsible for creating a work environment that discourages discriminatory behaviour. For instance, a new legal duty introduced on 26th October 2024 requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. This means providing appropriate training, having clear policies, and being proactive in addressing any issues that arise.

If an incident of harassment or victimisation occurs, you could be held liable if you can’t demonstrate that you took the necessary steps to prevent it. It’s a stark reminder that maintaining a respectful, inclusive workplace isn’t optional it’s a legal requirement.

How Can You Prevent Discrimination in Your Business?

Transforming your workplace into a truly inclusive environment is entirely achievable, and it begins with taking a few practical steps:

1. Create Clear Policies
Develop robust policies that outline acceptable behaviour, set out clear procedures for handling grievances, and detail the steps taken against discriminatory practices. These policies should be easily accessible to all employees and consistently enforced.

2. Provide Discrimination Training
Invest in regular training sessions that help your team understand what constitutes discrimination, why it matters, and how to foster an inclusive environment. Training isn’t just a one-off event it’s an ongoing commitment to your employees’ growth and wellbeing.

3. Work with an HR Consultant
Sometimes, it can be difficult to identify the gaps in your current policies and practices. An experienced HR consultant can offer a fresh perspective, help you develop effective strategies, and ensure that your business complies with all relevant employment laws. Our team at Starfish People HR is here to support you every step of the way.

The Transformation Begins with You

Imagine a workplace where every employee feels safe, respected, and empowered. Not only does this boost morale and productivity, but it also enhances your reputation as an employer of choice attracting top talent and driving long-term business success. A strong, inclusive culture is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s the backbone of a resilient and thriving business.

At Starfish People HR, we’re passionate about helping you create that environment. Whether you need to review your policies, implement new training programs, or simply get some expert advice on how to maintain an inclusive workplace, we’re here to help.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of discrimination, protected characteristics, or your current HR policies, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s work together to build a workplace where everyone can flourish.

You can call us directly on 01243 – 967961 or email [email protected]

Please stay connected with us on our website www.starfishpeople.com for more updates, insights, and exciting developments in the world of HR!