The Hows and Whys of Exhibiting Fairness in the Workplace
Workplace fairness is the concept that employees should be treated equitably and fairly in the workplace. This is not just about being paid a fair wage for their work. It can also be about having access to adequate resources and training and being held to the same standards and expectations as other employees.
According to a study, workplace fairness can impact an employee’s commitment. When employees feel that they’re being treated fairly, they’re more likely to be committed to their job and less likely to leave the company.
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Workplace fairness is essential because it helps create a level playing field for all employees, regardless of their background or circumstances. When everyone is treated fairly, it promotes a sense of respect and cooperation within the workforce.
Workplaces that are fair and equitable tend to be more productive and efficient. Employees who feel they are being treated fairly are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. As a result, workplaces that value fairness can reap significant benefits in terms of productivity and employee satisfaction.
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How Leadership Can Impact Fairness in the Workplace
One of the most important things is the culture that is created by leadership. Leaders set the tone for how employees will be treated and what expectations will be placed on them. If leaders are fair and just in their dealings with employees, it is more likely that the workplace will be fair as well.
In Singapore, a public transport service provider called SMRT was under controversy after the organization encountered tunnel flooding in 2017. SMRT’s former chief executive Desmond Kuek claimed that deep-seated cultural issues attributed to the massive MRT breakdowns and commuter’s anger that had been building up for years.
However, the company’s new chief executive Neo Kian Hong said he found no deep-seated cultural issues in their organization. According to Mr. Neo, the main cultural issue was some employees’ lack of ownership and responsibility. He also said that the MRT breakdowns were due to human error and not because of any systemic problems.
The different opinions on workplace culture by these two leaders show how workplace fairness can be impacted by those in positions of power. Therefore, leaders must be aware of their biases and ensure that they treat all employees fairly.
Since significant improvements have been made and commuters are happier with the organization’s service, this shows that their leaders are working hand-in-hand toward a more fair workplace. Mr. Hong even said that he personally witnessed how dedicated their employees are and how committed they are to doing their best. They learned from this incident and said that he is confident that their organization will continue to bring commuters a safe and reliable journey thanks to their employees and improved workplace culture.
Policies and Procedures Impact Workplace Fairness
Workplace policies and procedures play a significant role in creating a fair workplace. For example, suppose there is a policy requiring all employees to clock in and out simultaneously. In that case, this helps ensure that everyone is getting paid for their hours. Suppose there is a policy against giving preferential treatment to specific employees. In that case, this helps ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
In short, workplace policies and procedures can significantly impact workplace fairness. When crafting these policies, keep fairness in mind to create a level playing field for all employees. These should be clear and concise, and they should be applied consistently to all employees. If there are any discrepancies, they should be addressed immediately.
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Tips for Creating a More Fair Workplace
There are many things that leaders can do to create a more fair workplace. One, there is the need for leaders to treat their employees fairly. To create a more fair workplace, it also pays to have clear policies and procedures applied fairly to all employees.
All employees should also know what is expected of them. If not, some employees may feel that they are being treated unfairly. Leaders should sit down with all employees and review their expectations for their roles. They should also make sure that these expectations are realistic and achievable.
Be sure to communicate what is expected of your employees in their role and what the consequences will be if they do not meet these expectations. By setting clear expectations, you can help to ensure that all employees are held to the same standard and that they know what is expected of them.
Providing adequate resources and training can also help create a more fair workplace. If employees do not have the resources or training needed to do their job, they may feel at a disadvantage. Ensure all employees have what they need to succeed in their roles.
Allowing employees to provide feedback is another way to create a more equitable workplace. Employees should feel like their voices are heard and that their feedback is valued. Leaders should make an effort to solicit feedback from employees regularly.
Finally, leaders should model the behavior that they want to see from their employees. If you want your employees to be fair, you must set an example. Be sure to treat all employees with respect and dignity. Exhibiting fairness in the workplace starts at the top.
Fairness is crucial in any workplace. The work environment is more productive and positive when everyone is on an even playing field. With the help of these tips, you can create a more fair workplace for all.
Ken Boyd
Author: Cost Accounting for Dummies, Accounting All-In-One for Dummies, The CPA Exam for Dummies and 1,001 Accounting Questions for Dummies