Achieving Workplace Equality: From Pay to Play

According to Dr. Zara Nanu, CEO of GapSquare, it may take society 200 years to achieve pay parity between men and women. Despite this, progress is being made, particularly in the tech industry, where advancements have accelerated significantly over the past 20 years. However, it is essential to acknowledge that only a century ago, women required their husbands' permission to work. The UK government has implemented legislation requiring businesses with 250 or more employees to report on gender pay gaps annually, shedding light on the issue in the gaming industry. Dr. Nanu emphasizes that pay gaps often expose organizational issues, such as leadership roles and career progression. The equal pay agenda is constantly evolving, and fair pay encompasses multiple definitions, including transparency, average gaps, equal pay, and pay equity. The pay gap in the UK games industry is 17% higher than the national average, and lawsuits against companies like Niantic, Riot Games, and Activision Blizzard highlight the importance of pay transparency. Dr. Nanu suggests that technology can help address the issue by providing more targeted decisions and actions. Data and analytics can offer insights, and drilling down into data can help identify areas for improvement. Additionally, open communication is crucial, as a survey revealed a gap in communication between executives and employees regarding pay equity and transparency. Dr. Nanu stresses the importance of inclusive leadership in building a fairer future workplace, where diversity and involvement can lead to positive outcomes.