What is the book about?
To achieve racial equity in the workplace, we need to “name, frame and explain where it doesn’t exist”. In Equality vs Equity: Tackling Issues of Race in the Workplace, Jenny Garret OBE helps the reader unpack the concept of racial equity and understand its importance in moving the dial-up on inclusion, providing practical tips and language for the reader to act upon.
Equality vs Equity: Tackling Issues of Race in the Workplace is essential reading for those who want to educate themselves and influence others to do the crucial complex work of achieving racial equity in the workplace.
What is Racial Equity?
Both the English words equity and equality derive from the Latin aequus, meaning fair and even, yet they have assumed distinct meanings. Equality relates to evenness and the lack of difference and has been elevated to a principle that is supposed to prevail in all domains—moral, judicial, economic, and political. Equity stands for fairness, yet what is fair is not necessarily equal, and what is equal is not necessarily fair.
Equity isn’t synonymous with equality, companies that strive for workplace equality (treating everyone the same, without discrimination) may not factor in the need for equity. The entire workforce comes under the same blanket of rules, privileges, and employee experience design, without an eye on unique, demographic-related needs. This may lead to an unfair work environment.
Equity is ….Understanding and giving women and those from minoritised groups what they need to achieve equal outcomes. This is achieved by considering systems that disadvantage some and seeking to overcome them. To do so we need to take an individual approach, to lead, share power and focus on outcomes..Understanding these issues and balancing equity is a crucial step to achieving true equality in the workplace, and that is what this book is about.
Why does it Matters?
Equity is truly the capstone of the journey through diversity, inclusion and equality, and the best part about achieving equity is the unique and tangible sense of community and engagement it creates.
Why I wrote this book
Through my nearly 20 years of leadership development work with organizations and my lived experience as a Black British woman, I am familiar with challenges associated with racial equity in the workplace. During my focus group and team coaching sessions, white leaders, have shared their fears of saying or doing the wrong thing and how that keeps them paralyzed from taking action. I’ve witnessed organisations clumsily set targets and make public statements that could be considered performative, and although they appear to do the right thing, they haven’t truly committed to doing what is right or know what is right. Some companies are doing the work, attempting to make change, and taking brave steps, however, there is still a huge amount of work to be done.
Over the last 2 years, there has been significant progress in racial equality discussions in the media, politics, in living rooms across the country, and in classrooms and organizations alike. The challenge is to sustain the momentum and build on it with irreversible action. I truly believe that this can be achieved when we join together, and that’s why I wrote this book from a place of hope, optimism, and progress.
This book will help you unpack the concept of racial equity and understand its importance in moving the dial on inclusion; providing language, and practical tips for you to take action. It is essential reading for HR professionals, leaders and those who want to educate themselves and influence others to do the crucial complex work of achieving racial equity in the workplace.
Book Reviews
The strategies within this book, can be used beyond racial equity to create wider fairness and inclusion for all in your organisation and beyond.
Equality vs Equity is a great work authored through the lived experience lens of specialist coach and trainer in the diversity arena, Jenny Garrett OBE. A must have (handbook full) of step-by-step advice for anyone with real commitment and interest in moving the Dial forward.
Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE
Founder Wintrade Global Women Intra & Entrepreneurs NetworkAn excellent book for anyone who wants to learn more and truly understand the importance of equity and how to create inclusion through the lens of race. Jenny shares many great examples of her own lived experiences which really help to bring the book to life.
Asif Sadiq
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer – Warner Bros.Jenny Garrett OBE has written a book that will soon become essential to anyone committed to developing and nurturing equitable workplaces and societies. Jenny offers practice recommendations that can lead to greater inclusivity. I will be recommending this book to colleagues & students.
Professor Carole Elliott
Associate Dean Equality, Diversity, Inclusion – The University of Sheffield.“Share this hugely practical book with friends, colleagues and others who either want to, or perhaps need to, become more ADEPT at living in a modern world where the global majority deserve far more.”
Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris
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