age discrimination in the workplace

New survey from finds that disability and age discrimination are top concerns for UK employees.

New findings from Wildgoose’s Diversity and Inclusivity in the Workplace survey indicate a shift in the areas that employees prioritise when it comes to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The survey aimed to gather insights from employees across a range of industries and seniority levels.

The results showed that over 50 per cent of people felt inclusion of disabled people was the area that required the greatest improvement within their organisation; with diversity of age groups coming in a close second at just under half. This raises concerns that dual discrimination based on disability AND age is common practice in the workplace, highlighting a need for companies to undergo additional diversity training in this area.

Other significant findings from the research show that nearly half (47 per cent) of male employees don’t consider the gender pay gap to be a major issue, in comparison to the three quarters of females that do; a statistic that is particularly concerning given the recent publication of major organisations’ gender pay gaps,and continued media coverage of the issue. Interestingly, the gap between men and women narrows when it comes to equal promotional opportunities.

Commenting on the survey findings Jim Alexander, Head of Learning & Development at Wildgoose, said,

The findings from our survey highlight that despite organisations making headway in relation to diversity and inclusion policy, there is still a long way to go before we achieve inclusivity across all cross-sections of the workforce. Creating an inclusive culture can only happen when people throughout all tiers of organisations (from entry to c-suite level) fully understand the importance and benefits of Diversity and Inclusion to both business and people – and take meaningful action towards long-lasting change.

Interested in diversity in the workplace? Join us at our Diversity & Inclusion Conference  2019

 

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Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!

Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.

Aphrodite is also a professional painter.