From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
ILO releases new guide to promote diversity and inclusion at the workplace
By International Labour Organization (ILO)
Nov 30, 2016 - 3:29:19 PM
GENEVA (ILO News) – On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (marked annually on
3 December),
the International Labour Organization (ILO) is releasing a new
publication
to provide step by step guidance on how and when to provide workplace
adjustments – also called accommodations – for workers with specific
needs.
Promoting diversity and inclusion through workplace adjustments: A practical guide
highlights
that while all workers should enjoy equal access to employment, some of
them face barriers that may put them at a disadvantage. Such barriers
can prevent them from accessing or remaining in employment and, if not
addressed, they can also deprive companies
of a broader, more diverse pool of workers from which to recruit.
“Reasonable adjustments contribute to harnessing the full professional
potential of workers and thereby to business success,” says Shauna
Olney, Chief of the
Gender, Equality and Diversity Branch.
While
recognizing that the need for a reasonable accommodation may arise in a
variety of situations, the guide focuses on four specific categories of
workers: workers with disabilities, workers
living with HIV, workers with family responsibilities and workers with a
particular religion or belief.
Reasonable accommodation means providing one or more modifications that
are appropriate and necessary to accommodate a worker or job candidate’s
individual characteristics so that he or she may enjoy the same rights
as others.
Taking effective measures for the inclusion of all workers in the
workplace is essential for the promotion of equality and to ensure that
the rights and protection contained in International Labour Standards
are a reality for all. “This guide constitutes a
great tool for those committed to the realization of this objective,”
states Horacio Guido, Chief of the Application Branch of the
International Labour Standards Department.
They also point out that these adjustments can be done at little or no
cost to the employer and result in concrete benefits to both the
employer and the worker.
The publication is designed to help the user understand the concept of
reasonable adjustments, accompanying measures, as well as the process
and steps to provide workplace adjustments throughout the employment
cycle, including practical examples.
“The refusal of reasonable adjustments at the workplace can constitute a
form of discrimination. This guidance tool, which is ideal for all
businesses, is well placed to help employers, including in small and
medium sized enterprises, to provide a more inclusive
working environment,” says Beate Andrees, Chief of the
Rights at Work Branch.
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