Equality in workplace vital to economy, says report

THE future of the economy will be undermined if businesses fail to embrace policies of equality in the workplace, according to a report released yesterday.

International evidence compiled in the Business Impact of Equality and Diversity report said the economy could not sustain a workforce divided by discrimination.

It found, in comparison to other European countries, Irish businesses were faring well in the development of equality policies.

However, chief executive of the Equality Authority Niall Crowley said this was boosted by the large proportion of international corporations with bases here.

“You do find that where this type of strategy is in place it does tend to be with the major companies who have the resources to take the step. What we find in the small, to medium-sized enterprises is that there is not a similar level of development and it is quite clear we need to embrace this and see this area grow,” he said.

The report looked at all areas of equality, including race, gender, disability and age. It said where companies fail to adopt an equality policy they run the risk of creating a segregated workforce with dwindling enthusiasm among those who feel discriminated against.

Mr Crowley said the report stressed there is a profitable business model available for companies that take the initial risk and absorb the short-term pain.

“I think there is an understanding within the business sector that this is a challenge but it is worthwhile. The challenge for the rest of the economy is to show its real potential by putting in place the necessary supports to allow companies to move towards a more formal equality policy,” said Mr Crowley.

The report highlighted problems at local level where managers do not get the backing to push and enforce the agenda.

“Line managers find themselves increasingly called upon to deliver equality and diversity strategies but there is little evidence that they are receiving the support or training needed to undertake these tasks,” he said.

Mr Crowley said it is the responsibility of national agencies, trade unions, employers groups and the Government to make sure the support is available.

National Centre for Partnership and Performance director Lucy Fallon-Byrne said equality and diversity were key priorities of both the National Workplace Strategy and Towards 2016 initiative.

“Transforming Irish workplaces into workplaces of the future is all about fostering greater levels of innovation and creativity, and this report suggests very strongly that positive equality and diversity policies are a major contributor to higher levels of workplace innovation,” she said.