Equality must become the norm - ABCC president

President of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Omar Rashid claims that not enough is being done to improve equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace in a podcast labelled 'Aston Means Business’.

The podcast by Aston University was presented by veteran journalist Steve Dyson.

Mr Rashid, who specialises in diversity and recruitment, said the government criticism of EDI initiatives had been “disappointing”.

But he said: “I understand where they’re coming from because, if it’s seen as a scheme, as something we’ve got to do, and it’s not done properly, then maybe it is a waste of time and a waste of money. It has to be seen as the norm.”

He said people needed to realise they live in a multicultural world, with a diverse workforce, supply chain and customers, and that if implemented properly the benefits of EDI are there.

“There is opportunity there through different skills. Each individual, whether through race or religion, will bring their own perspectives, their own unique skills, including people with a disability. It shouldn’t be seen as a barrier.”

Omar said examples of a “tick box mentality” were where businesses might adopt Black History Month but do nothing for the other 11 months of the year. They may also provide a prayer room during Ramadan but not at any other time.

He added: “When it’s tick box, it’s not worth it because you’ll have a business or someone who will do something for a short period of time. They half-heartedly did something without the conviction. Diversity shouldn’t be just a little bit here and there.”

Omar was also joined by Professor Shivani Sharma, the new deputy dean of people, culture and inclusion at the University’s College of Business and Social Sciences. He explained that EDI cultures must become “everybody’s business” to address the existing gender and ethnicity pay gaps.

He added: “Not enough investment has gone into these roles because, if we look at the history, it tells us that just relying on everybody to do the right thing doesn’t work.”

Pictured: From left - Professor Shivani Sharma, Omar Rashid and Steve Dyson