Equity vs. Equality | How to Tell if Your Workplace Is Fair

In this post, we discuss equity vs. equality, why equity in the workplace is better for everyone, and how to tell if your workplace is fair.

You can probably think of at least one time when you weren’t treated fairly at work. Only 28% of people strongly agree that their organization is fair to everyone. And it’s not just in your head, especially if you aren’t a white man. Women and people of color are statistically underpaid, even when we do the same work as our colleagues. One study even discovered that Black women ask for promotions at the same rate as men, but they only get the job around half the time.

Most companies try to address injustice by focusing on diversity and inclusion. They make public statements, mandate trainings, and fund programs, all to make sure managers treat employees equally. But workplaces still feel unfair because companies focus too much on equality when they should care more about equity.

So what is the difference between equity vs. equality? How does equity in the workplace make life better for everyone? And how can you tell if your workplace treats people fairly?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is equity vs. equality?

Why is equity in the workplace important?

How can you tell if your workplace is fair?

WHAT IS EQUITY VS. EQUALITY?

Equity means fairness and justice. It recognizes that situations impact people in different ways, so we may need to treat people differently.

Imagine you only have $50 in your bank account, and you decide to join friends for dinner at a cute, new restaurant. You stick to tap water when everyone else orders wine. You also politely decline an offer to split appetizers and order the cheapest dish on the menu.

At the end of the meal, the server brings just one check. Someone suggests you split the bill equally, and everyone else happily agrees. At this point, you can either admit you can’t afford to split or get ready for ramen noodles and overdraft fees until your next paycheck. Either way, you’re uncomfortable while everyone else seems to be fine.

In this scenario, splitting the bill is a way to handle the situation equally. Everyone gets treated the same. Everyone pays the same amount. On the other hand, equity means fairness and justice. It recognizes that situations impact people in different ways, so we may need to treat people differently.

An equitable way to handle the situation might be that everyone pays what they can comfortably afford. So people with more money will pay more. Or maybe everyone only pays for what they ordered. The point is that each person might contribute a different amount, but everyone chips in to cover the bill.

WHY IS EQUITY IN THE WORKPLACE IMPORTANT?

Most companies treat workers equally, not equitably. Everyone with the same job works the same schedule, goes through the same trainings, and makes the same amount of money. Employers think treating everyone equally will limit discrimination and bias in the workplace. But these policies and practices actually make it harder for people in vulnerable groups to do their jobs.

For example, your boss might think an overnight work retreat is a great team building opportunity for everyone on your team. And someone who’s single and child-free might look forward to a chance to travel. But how would the trip impact a parent who has to pay for childcare? What about someone with a chronic illnesses who needs to stay close to their medical team? Making all employees go on the retreat would be an equal but unfair approach.

On the other hand, when employers focus on workplace equity, they can create inclusive environments that address employees’ individual needs. Accommodations like telework and adjusted schedules can help certain employees avoid spending a ton more time and effort on their work than their peers. And when managers fairly address employees’ needs, we’re more likely to feel respected, which makes us happier at work and more likely to do a good job.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR WORKPLACE IS FAIR?

In workplaces that prioritize fairness and equity, leaders regularly ask for feedback and provide accommodations. They may even hire experts to routinely assess the workplace culture. Fair bosses don’t punish employees who struggle. They get rid of barriers that make it hard for employees to be successful. For example, some companies offer unlimited menstrual leave for people with uteruses. Others offer paid leave to victims of gender based violence.

[RELATED POST: 5 Ways to Spot Inclusion in the Workplace]

An easy way to tell if your job cares about equity is to think about how you feel at work. Are there company-wide expectations that you have a hard time meeting because of underrepresented identities or characteristics? Are there policies or practices that make your job take more time than it takes your peers? Does your company refuse to provide support or accommodations?

For instance, does your job have a grooming policy that applies to all employees but bans Black hairstyles like locs and braids? Does everyone have to pay up front and be reimbursed for work travel expenses, no matter how much cash they have on hand? If you answered yes to these or similar questions, your job may not be as fair as your manager may think.

Treating employees equitably is essential to making sure the workplace is fair for everyone. And being able to tell the difference between equity and equality can help you figure out if your workplace is fair.