Hidden Bias in the Workplace: Retention Strategies
September 2, 2020
So you, as an employer, have successfully implemented a recruiting strategy focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in your workforce. Your employee base is different from five years ago. It now includes more individuals of color, women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ, and workers of all ages and body types. It is the hope of management that – along with a more diverse workforce – employee longevity is one of the benefits. Retention is as important for employers as developing a strong recruiting strategy that attracts applicants with the right skills in the first place.
What is equity theory?
According to John S. Adams, a behavioral psychologist, equity theory is based on the concept that when your employee feels like you’re treating them in an advantageous way, they’re more likely to be motivated to work hard. Their morale is high and they’re full of energy. However, when an employee feels like management and/or leadership is treating them unfairly – particularly in relation to how they perceive colleagues being treated, they don’t feel satisfied and are more prone to be demotivated.
