New guidance on gender equality announced by government

New guidance on the subject of gender equality has been published by the government, which it hopes will improve the workplace experience for women.

The government opted to launch this guidance just before International Women’s Day. According to the Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, employers should regard its contents as recommended actions. Among the suggestions that it proposes are training for managers so they can support employees with the menopause; targets for workforce gender representation; and job descriptions that feature inclusive language. The government is also stating there is evidence that all of these actions work.

Those dedicated to improving gender equality in the workplace have cautiously welcomed the new guidance. If organisations decide to implement it, though, it will significantly increase the workload for their HR departments. One way of dealing with this problem could be to outsource some of the routine admin tasks to HR services in Bedfordshire.

Nicole Goodwin of the AllBright everywoman networking company was among those who responded with enthusiasm. She said the suggested steps were not innovative, but that putting them together for employers would help drive action.

Holmes Noble CEO Amy Speake told HR Magazine:

“The menopause guidance is long overdue. Losing senior women at the peak of their capability over adjustments you’d make without question for almost any other condition is clearly a business issue.”

Starting in April, companies that employ at least 250 people will be encouraged to produce gender equality action plans. This is likely to be changed from voluntary to mandatory by the same time next year.