D&I Friday Read No. 438

Today we are talking about UK’s 4-day workweek trial results, hair discrimination, Generation Z being stressed in the workplace, and how Europe could solve its tech talent shortage.

Well-being
A few weeks ago, the world’s largest 4-day workweek trial came to an end – and the results are promising for both employees and employers. The pilot showed an increase in employee well-being, retention, productivity and even revenue, and also had a positive impact on gender parity at home. Read more here.

Generation
According to various surveys, Generation Z is currently the most stressed generation in the workplace. But what are the reasons for this, and what do employers need to consider? Interesting insights.

Women in Tech
How can Europe solve its talent shortage in tech? Interesting analysis from McKinsey, looking at the talent gap and how this could be solved by recruiting and retaining more women (women currently hold only 22 % of all tech roles in Europe).

Hair Discrimination
According to the CROWN 2023 Workplace Research Study, Black women’s hair is 2.5x more likely to be perceived as unprofessional. Dove and LinkedIn have now teamed up for a campaign to raise awareness about hair discrimination.

D&I Friday Read No. 437

Today we are talking about a new workplace survey looking at flexibility, the importance of psychological safety, ethnic profiling in the Netherlands, and a new STEM educational series.

Well-being
Future Forum, a consortium founded by tech company Slack, just released the results from its latest workplace survey, and mental and physical exhaustion are at an all-time high. Insightful findings, especially about the benefits of flexibility!

Psychological Safety
Very interesting HBR article about psychological safety, why it is so important and how we can create it in our work environments.

Ethnic Profiling
A Dutch appeal court has now prohibited the Netherland’s military police to use ethnic profiling at the borders, saying it was a particularly serious form of discrimination. Read more here.

Girls in STEM
Representation matters! The number of women graduating in STEM is small, and even smaller for women of colour. Well-known STEM organizations Black Girls CODE and GoldieBlox have now launched CODE Along, a free educational series hosted by Black women.

D&I Friday Read No. 436

Today we are talking about algorithmic gender bias, the effects of pay transparency, right to disconnect laws, and the powerful short film “Daughter”.

Pay Transparency
Pay transparency laws are becoming more and more common around the world, and companies are required to be more transparent. Studies show that it can reduce pay inequities, but according to this insightful article, it might also come with risks.

Well-being
Kenya is the latest country to propose a law that gives employees the right to disconnect after working hours. Several countries, primarily in Europe, have already enacted the right to disconnect laws, for example, in France, where it was introduced in 2017. Read more here.

Algorithmic Bias
Interesting article about the risks of algorithmic (gender) bias. AI tools are supposed to protect users from sexually explicit or violent material (e.g. on social media), but they also censor pictures of women in everyday situations – due to built-in bias.

Gender Inequality
Ahead of International Women’s Day, the short film “Daughter” was launched to raise awareness about the impact that climate change has on women around the world. Worth watching!

D&I Friday Read No. 435

Today we are talking about Bloomberg’s latest Gender-Equality Index, gender bias in internet searches, racial profiling, and a new #PrideAllYear advert from Doritos.

Gender Equality
Bloomberg just released its latest edition of the Gender-Equality Index, covering 484 companies in 45 countries and across 54 industries. The index tracks the performance of public companies that disclose their efforts to support gender equality – and for the first time also covered other areas, including LGBTQ+, race, and ethnicity, in the framework.

Racial Profiling
Last year, 9-year-old Bobbi Wilson was busy working on an insect project in her neighbourhood, when a neighbour called the police on her. Yale University now officially honoured the young scientist for her efforts to eradicate invasive lanternflies. Read more here.

Bias
“Correct the internet” just launched a new campaign to raise awareness about gender bias in internet searches, and increase the visibility of women in sports. Watch the video!

LGBTQ+
“Bold Love” is the latest advert from Doritos Mexico as part of the #PrideAllYear platform, which aims to give visibility to the LGBTQ+ community beyond Pride month. Watch the video!