PRINCIPLE SIX

Businesses should uphold the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Discrimination

The definition of discrimination in employment and occupation is "any distinction, exclusion or preference which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation", and is made on the basis of "race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin". Discrimination may also occur on the basis of physical or mental disability. Obviously, distinctions based strictly on the inherent requirements of the job are not discrimination.

Discrimination can arise in a variety of work-related activities. These include access to employment and to particular occupations, and to training and vocational guidance. Moreover, it can occur with respect to the terms and conditions of the employment, such as for example equal remuneration, hours of work and rest, paid holidays, maternity leave, security of tenure, advancement, social security, and occupational safety and health. In some countries additional issues for discrimination in the workplace, such as age and HIV status, are growing in importance. It is also important to realise that discrimination at work arises in a range of settings, and can be a problem in a rural agricultural business or in a high technology city-based business.

Non-discrimination means simply that employees are selected on the basis of their ability to do the job and that there is no distinction, exclusion or preference made on other grounds. Employees who experience discrimination at work are denied opportunities and have their basic human rights infringed. This affects the individual concerned and negatively influences the greater contribution that they might make to society.

Discrimination - Direct and Indirect

Discrimination can take many forms, both in terms of gaining access to employment and in the treatment of employees once they are in work.

It may be direct, such as when laws, rules or practices explicitly cite a reason such as sex or race to deny equal opportunity. Most commonly, discrimination is indirect and arises where rules or practices have the appearance of neutrality but in fact lead to exclusions. This indirect discrimination often exists informally in attitudes and practices, which if unchallenged can perpetuate in organisations. Discrimination may also have cultural roots that demand more specific individual approaches.

Strategies for Business

From a business point of view discrimination does not make sense. It is an issue that should be of concern to all businesses because discriminatory practices in employment and occupation restrict the available pool of workers and skills, and slow economic growth for society as a whole. The lack of a climate of tolerance results in missed opportunities for development of skills and infrastructure to strengthen competitiveness in the global economy. Finally, discrimination isolates an employer from the wider community and can damage a company's reputation, potentially affecting profits and stock value.

First and foremost, companies need to respect all relevant local and national laws wherever they are operating. Any company introducing measures to promote equality needs to be aware of the diversities of language, culture and family circumstance that may exist in the workforce. Managers and supervisory staff, in particular, should seek to develop an understanding of the different types of discrimination and how it can affect the workforce. For example, women constitute a growing proportion of the world's workforce, but consistently earn less than their male counterparts. Disabled employees may have particular needs that should be met, where reasonable, in order to ensure that they have the same opportunities (e.g. for training and advancement) as their peers.

Companies should develop and promote an equal opportunity policy that applies qualification, skill and experience as the grounds for recruitment. Increasingly, young graduates and new employees are judging companies on the basis of their social and ethical policies at work. In addition, they must promote equality at work, which means that all individuals are accorded equal opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and competence that are relevant to their job.

Actions

Companies can put in place specific activities to address the question of discrimination and eliminate it within the workplace. Some examples are:

institute company policies and procedures which make qualifications, skill and experience the basis for the recruitment, placement, training and advancement of staff at all levels;
assign responsibility for equal employment issues at a high level, issue clear company-wide policy and procedures to guide equal employment practices, and link advancement to desired performance in this area;
establish programs to promote access to skills development training and to particular occupations;
work on a case by case basis to evaluate whether a distinction is an inherent requirement of a job, and avoid systematic applications of job requirements in a way that would systematically disadvantage certain groups;
keep up-to-date records on recruitment, training and promotion that provide a transparent view of opportunities for employees and their progression within the organisation;
where discrimination is identified, develop grievance procedures to address complaints, handle appeals and provide recourse for employees;
be aware of formal structures and informal cultural issues that can prevent employees from raising concerns and grievances;
provide staff training on disability awareness and reasonably adjust the physical environment to ensure health and safety for employees, customers and other visitors with disabilities.

Outside the workplace companies also have a role to play in eliminating discrimination, for example by encouraging and supporting efforts in the community to build a climate of tolerance and equal access to opportunities for occupational development. Two examples could be through adult education programs and the support of health and childcare services.

In foreign operations, companies may need to accommodate cultural traditions and work with representatives of workers and governmental authorities to ensure equal access to employment by women and minorities.

Last updated on 17 November 2004