Diversity and inclusion in at the workplace
Investing in a more diverse and inclusive workplace is necessary if you want to evolve and grow as a company or organisation. But how do you tackle this challenge? Unia is happy to help get you started with our range of services.
Inspiration for a diverse and inclusive workplace
A diverse and inclusive workplace requires solid foundations. Here are a few strong building blocks:
- Analyse your situation.
- Incorporate diversity and inclusion into your mission and vision.
- Focus on well-being and prevention.
- Invest in your direct managers.
- Use the power of communication.
- Embed the policy within your organisation.
Online learning platform for a diverse and inclusive workplace
Our free learning platform eDiv (only available in Dutch and French) helps Belgian companies, organisations and governments with their inclusive diversity policy. It features:
- online learning modules on anti-discrimination legislation and on reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities;
- online guidelines to setting up and developing an inclusive diversity policy; examples to understand situations, prevent discrimination and encourage inclusive management;
- inspiring practices from other organisations that can form a basis for your inclusive diversity policy;
- useful tools from Unia and other organisations that can be used in various phases of your inclusive diversity policy.
Customised training and support for companies and organisations
Are you looking for customised training as part of your diversity and inclusion policy? Unia is happy to explore the possibilities with you.
Legal advice for employers
Unia also provides legal advice to employers, team leaders and HR managers on specific situations in the workplace. For example, suppose that, as an employer, you see that people of non-Belgian origin are underrepresented within your workforce. Can you then give priority to the underrepresented group in future recruitment? Unia can help you with legal advice.
Common situations in the workplace
The below thematic files are most available in Dutch and French.
Open As an organisation, how do we deal with requests for accommodation linked to religious practices?
Use a concrete request from an employee to launch a debate within your organisation.
Take the example of a request for an alternative to pork in the company restaurant. Pose the problem openly so as to find a solution that is positive for the majority of people, and not just for the person who made the request. In this case, for example, you could offer a vegetarian alternative alongside the meat.
Further reading: Discover the thematic dossier devoted to philosophical or religious convictions at work.
Open How do you address an employee's request for accommodations for religious practices?
There is no official legal process to request or provide accommodations. Today, companies often take the initiative to develop procedures themselves. Find out more about reasonable accommodations .
Open I’ve received complaints from job applicants about being asked questions concerning their private lives during the job interview. What should and should not be asked during a job interview?
It’s best to focus on questions that are related to the candidate's competences and are relevant to the job. It’s better not to ask questions about the identity or private lives of candidates that are unrelated to the job.
Find out more about potentially indiscreet questions (in French version / in Dutch version)
Open Some employees have created a WhatsApp group. People are posting racist content on it. Can I address this?
In that case, as a manager you must call your employees to order and raise awareness among other employees in order to avoid conflicts at work.
Read more about racist messages on social media (in French version / in Dutch version).
Open Sexist, homophobic and racist jokes frequently circulate in my team. Where do I draw the line and how can I make sure it's respected?
As a manager, it is your job to indicate which forms of humour are unacceptable. Sometimes a change in mentality and behaviour may be necessary to maintain that boundary.
Read more about humour at work (in French version / in Dutch version).
In the spotlight
Religious practices in the workplace
Religious practices are protected by freedom of religion. What should I do if I have a request for accommodation?
Headscarf at work
As an employer, how do you deal with employees who want to wear a headscarf? Find out the answers to the questions about religious symbols at Unia.
Promoting diversity and inclusion
Unia supports professionals who work to promote greater diversity and inclusion.
Discover our offer for :