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www.thecaterer.com Why education is the answer to equality
There is an appetite for training in diversity and inclusion, so why are employees not being granted access to it, asks Lorraine Copes
B
e Inclusive Hospitality’s annual indus- try report, The Inside Hospitality Report 2023, examines the experiences and
perceptions of hospitality workers from all backgrounds and job roles across the UK’s hospitality industry, specifically focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion through a race lens. From the report’s first edition to the current third iteration there has been a nota- ble surge in participation, with respondent numbers increasing from a modest 300 in 2020 to a staggering 3,000 in 2023. This growing pool of data has reinforced
my unwavering belief that the foundational cornerstone of a fair and inclusive hospital- ity sector is education. By education, I refer to training and workshops within workplace environments. Workshops are now woven into the industry’s fabric, covering critical subjects such as mental health and safety. These topics, recognised as indispensable, are often embraced by workers at all levels. Has the industry similarly embraced edu-
cation in equity, diversity and inclusion? When examining the report this year versus last year, it remains disconcertingly consist- ent that the appetite for training in this topic far surpasses the access granted to it within the workplace. Training access increased from 20% in 2022 to 25% in 2023. Yet this is in stark contrast to the 50% demand for training in 2022 and 2023 and a poignant reminder of the gap yet to be filled. A quote from this year’s report captures
the essence of the need for training through- out the sector: “As a white British male, I still feel uncertain how to approach those from a different culture or background, even in my role as general manager, and working much of my career in one of the most multicul- tural cities in the UK. “More education and collaboration is
needed both inside and outside the industry to better understand one another, breaking down preconceptions and prejudices to see every- one as equal and push forward.” Should these senti-
ments resonate with other leaders across the sector, the chal- lenge remains: how does the hospitality sec- tor advance as a desir- able employer that fosters fair and inclu-
16 | The Caterer | 15 September 2023
“This growing pool of data has reinforced my unwavering belief that the foundational cornerstone of a fair and inclusive hospitality sector is education”
empathy among employees, making them more attuned to colleagues’ needs and lead- ing to a respectful, inclusive culture.
Inclusive language and behaviour Educating employees about language’s impact and inclusive behaviour shifts them away from discrimination and towards fos- tering an environment that values inclusion.
Retention and happier employees Employees stay with companies when wellbeing and growth are prioritised. This fosters a positive culture, boosting reten- tion and job satisfaction. Acknowledging that change starts at the
sive environments? The answer is multi-pronged, with training being an essential
component, contributing to:
Improved awareness and sensitivity Raising awareness of diverse experiences fosters
Lorraine Copes is the chief executive and founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality
Read the Inside Hospitality Report 2023 at
bihospitality.co.uk/research-and-insights
www.thecaterer.com
top, a promising revelation from the report is that at 62.26%, chief executives have the highest appetite to access training. The question that I now ask is if the appetite and necessity exist, if not now, then when?
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