At OneAdvanced, we believe in the power of diverse representation. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace is not just a policy, it’s a key part of our culture. Connectedness is vital for us to foster meaningful relationships with each other and with the wider world, which make us stronger – and that’s why it’s a core value.
In this vein, we were proud to publish our 2023 Diversity Pay Gap Report last month. This report highlights our ongoing efforts and progress in promoting diversity and inclusion within our workplace. We are taking the opportunity to ask the key question of why representation matters, share key findings from our latest report, and outline the actions we are taking to support the LGBTQ+ community at OneAdvanced.
Why representation matters
“You can’t aim for what you can’t see”
Representation in the workplace is crucial. When individuals from diverse backgrounds see people like themselves in senior positions, it instils confidence and ambition. It sends a powerful message: success is within reach for all, regardless of background and identity.
However, the absence of such representation can have the opposite effect. People who cannot see themselves reflected in leadership positions often feel discouraged from aspiring to those roles. This is something we know to be true for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who also face additional societal and systemic barriers.
Diversity of thought in the workplace
Diversity of thought is an invaluable asset to any organisation. When we embrace different perspectives, we foster innovation and creativity. This is especially important in senior positions, where strategic decisions shape the future of the company. A diverse leadership team brings a wealth of experiences and viewpoints, leading to more holistic and effective decision-making.
Making the most of available talent
It is essential to harness the full potential of the talent available to us. A report by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) revealed a concerning statistic: up to a third of young people in the LGBTQ+ community avoid careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) due to fears of discrimination. This is a significant loss, not only for those individuals but also for the industries that miss out on their potential contributions.
By creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we can attract and retain top talent, driving our organisation forward.
The results of our latest report
Our Diversity Pay Gap Report 2023 reveals some encouraging statistics about LGBTQ+ representation at OneAdvanced:
- LGBTQ+ representation at OneAdvanced stands at 14.11%, which is higher than the UK average of 10.6%.
- We have significantly reduced the number of people within OneAdvanced who ‘prefer not to say’ on questions of sexuality for the fourth year running – from 14.5% in 2020 to 7.33% in 2023.
- While there was a rise in the median pay gap for non-heterosexual employees, this was by just 1.3 percentage points, while there was a 0.3 percentage point decrease in the mean pay gap.
Addressing the Pay Gap
While we are proud of our representation figures, we acknowledge that the median pay gap for non-heterosexual employees has grown since last year. However, the increase is not insurmountable, and we remain committed to closing this gap. We have shown this is possible through the reduction in the mean pay gap. Our dedication to measuring and reporting this data sets us apart, allowing us to provide greater support and representation to the LGBTQ+ community.
Our actions
Team Rainbow Inclusion Network
One of our key initiatives is the Team Rainbow inclusion network. This network provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees to connect, share experiences, and support one another. It also serves as a platform for raising awareness and driving positive change within the organisation.
Ensuring privacy and confidence
To encourage more employees to come forward and share their identifiers honestly, we ensure absolute privacy in our reporting processes. This confidentiality is crucial in building trust and confidence among our employees, allowing them to bring their whole selves to work without fear of discrimination. It also supports accurate reporting that allows us to make a more significant difference for our people.
Commitment to reporting
Our commitment to regular reporting is a testament to our dedication to accountability and continuous improvement. By tracking and analysing data on LGBTQ+ representation and pay gaps, we can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted initiatives to support our employees better. This kind of analysis is particularly key in our hiring practice, where we use diversity data to track the candidate pipeline funnel for drop off in different stages of the recruitment process. This helps us to reduce unconscious bias and improve representation by removing barriers in hiring.
At OneAdvanced, we remain steadfast in our commitment to measuring and developing representation across all parts of our organisation. Our Diversity Pay Gap Report 2023 highlights both our achievements and the areas where we need to do better. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aim to empower every individual to thrive and succeed.
We will continue to prioritise the needs and perspectives of our employees, ensuring that our workplace reflects the diversity of the world around us. Together, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of their identity, can see themselves represented and know that they can achieve their goals.
For more information about our efforts and to stay updated on our progress, we invite you to read the full OneAdvanced Diversity Pay Gap Report 2023. Let’s continue to work together towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.