Fostering Workplace Equality: From Inequity to Fair Pay

According to GapSquare CEO Dr. Zara Nanu, achieving pay parity between men and women could take society approximately 200 years. Dr. Nanu discussed this issue at the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, acknowledging the systemic nature of pay scale disparities while noting the progress made, particularly in the tech industry over the past 20 years. However, she also highlighted that just a century ago, women required their husbands' permission to work, underscoring the slow pace of change. The UK government's legislation requiring companies with over 250 employees to report gender pay gaps annually has helped expose these disparities, not just broadly but also within the gaming sector. Dr. Nanu emphasized that pay gaps often reveal deeper organizational issues, including leadership and occupational disparities, and that equal pay is about ensuring individuals receive fair compensation for work of equal value. She defined fair pay as multifaceted, encompassing transparency, average gaps, equal pay, pay equity, and consideration of regional living standards. The pay gap in the UK games industry is notably 17% higher than the national average, with lawsuits against companies like Niantic, Riot Games, and Activision Blizzard highlighting the importance of pay transparency in combating gendered discrimination. Dr. Nanu suggested that technology can facilitate more targeted decisions to address the problem. Utilizing data and analytics can provide insights for targeted action, such as revisiting a company's code of conduct, recruitment strategies, and bonus structures. Open communication is also crucial, as a survey of executives and employees revealed a gap in perceptions of pay equity and transparency. Dr. Nanu stressed the importance of inclusive leadership in building a fairer future of work, where understanding data, impact, and the benefits of diversity can guide companies towards greater equality.