What is Equity in the Workplace?
By Brita Long
When did equity get added to the middle of diversity and inclusion? Why is the stated value equity and not equality? Does equity in the workplace matter that much, or should businesses just focus on diversity and inclusion?
The first time I heard DEI as shorthand, instead of diversity and inclusion, was in 2017 when I took leadership training for my volunteer work. Looking at Google Trends, the phrase “diversity and inclusion” started gaining in popularity in 2014, but the full phrase “diversity, equity, and inclusion” didn’t start gaining in popularity until 2020.
We’ve written about diversity in the workplace and inclusion in the workplace. In this quick guide, learn more about equity, and why it matters in the workplace.
What Is Equity?
Merriam-Webster defines equity as: “justice according to natural law or rights; freedom from bias or favoritism.”
Another definition is this: Equity refers to fair and just treatment of all people.
Equity in the workplace looks like all employees receiving the resources they need to succeed.
What Is Equity In The Workplace?
Equity in the workplace is about ensuring all employees access the same opportunities, resources, and treatment. Equity means employees are valued based on their skills, knowledge, and abilities in a workplace, rather than their characteristics.
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