Equality Matters in Business

Equality Matters in Business

9 October 2008

Equality Matters in Business (EMB) is a pioneering two-year pilot project, aimed at working with Scottish businesses to raise awareness of the business benefits of diversity in the workplace. This is a Scottish Government funded project delivered through Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. 

A diverse workforce can make a real, sustainable difference to your business. Many companies have already implemented successful diversity programmes and are enjoying dramatic improvements in performance and productivity. They are reaping the benefits of expanded recruitment practices and exploring the wealth of new markets.

Judith Adamson, HR Manager for Europe, OPTOS says:

"We want to continue to challenge ourselves and make sure that we are open to all aspects of employment so that we can maximise the potential available to us. We try to react with what’s going on in the market."

What diversity means to your business?

Implementing diversity in the workplace makes sound commercial sense. It can increase profitability, deliver high standards of customer service and improve all-round performance. The business case for diversity is all about making the most of the opportunities it offers. These include:

• A wider choice of potential employees with a range of skills and experience
• Better understanding of new markets including access to a wider range of customers
• Enhanced innovative practices and better understanding of diverse customer demands/needs
• Better position to compete for public and private sector contracts.

Managing diversity, both as an employer and as a provider of goods and services, will allow the business to respond effectively to the varying needs of staff and customers.

The new EMB project works with a number of organisations across Scotland to increase the awareness of the business benefits associated with diversity. Organisations such as Investors in People Scotland (IIP Scotland), Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE) and Business Gateway have all developed their own internal and external operations to include these concepts as part of the assistance they offer to Scottish Businesses. 

For more information on any aspect of developing your practices and policies within the workplace, call the Scottish Enterprise Helpline for free impartial advice, tel: 0845 607 8787 (lines open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm); email: emb-enquiries@scotent.co.uk.


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