{"id":25289,"date":"2022-10-31T08:30:03","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T08:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/research-blog\/?p=25289"},"modified":"2023-02-07T12:13:21","modified_gmt":"2023-02-07T12:13:21","slug":"accommodating-diversity-in-the-workplace-first-workshop-on-8-december-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/research-blog\/2022\/10\/31\/accommodating-diversity-in-the-workplace-first-workshop-on-8-december-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Accommodating diversity in the workplace \u2013 first workshop on 8 December 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

Supporting diversity in the workplace not only improves the working lives of employees and reduces workplace inequality, but also benefits organisations. A diverse workforce, who are well supported in the workplace and their career progression, will be more satisfied and productive, leading to greater retention of talent.<\/p>\n

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There is often a disconnect between researchers and practitioners. While various policies and practices are being considered and implemented by employers with a view to increasing diversity and decreasing workplace inequalities, there is lack of systematic research on what works and what doesn\u2019t.\u00a0 The result is that policies and practices currently in use may bring little benefit, while more beneficial ones may not be considered. In turn, researchers may be unaware of practical challenges experienced by employers while selecting and implementing interventions.<\/p>\n

The University of Reading has a large group of researchers working on issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with an emphasis on implications for workplace policy and practice. As the group spans various academic disciplines including economics, law, management and linguistics, we can analyse diversity issues from a wide range of perspectives. The next step for our group is to put our research to practical use by working directly with employers.<\/p>\n

We are keen to reach out to employers and other stakeholders who can directly benefit from our research, and who we can learn from. We want to create a sustainable network of like-minded people to discuss diversity issues, policies and practices, as well as what works and what doesn\u2019t. Only a close collaboration between academics and employers will allow us to get to the heart of workplace issues.<\/p>\n

To launch this initiative, we are hosting the first in a series of workshops on issues and solutions for accommodating diversity in the workplace at the University of Reading on 8 December 2022. These workshops are aimed at HR professionals, hiring and line managers, workplace representatives, employer organisations and charities interested in diversity and inclusion.<\/p>\n

The first workshop will start a dialogue between academic researchers, employers and other stakeholders (for example, employer organisations, unions and charities) to reach a shared understanding around issues related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace with a view to identifying best policies and practices. Attendees at this \u2013 and future \u2013 workshops will also have the chance to learn about some of our current projects, how these may benefit them and ways they can be involved, either directly, or indirectly.<\/p>\n

How will the workshop benefit participants?<\/h3>\n