Diversity refers to the representation of a variety of profiles within a company. This can be a diversity of ages, a diversity of the sexes, a diversity of ethnic origins, a cultural diversity, a religious diversity, a diversity of sexual orientations, the integration of people with disabilities… It can therefore be visible or invisible, which is the case for sexual orientation, religion or certain disabilities, for example. This great diversity of profiles then represents a single entity, the company in this case.
Inclusion, on the other hand, is the decision to integrate a person into a group, or the company in this case. In an inclusive company, each employee feels like they belong. This requires, among other things, a sense of belonging, good team cohesion, autonomy and accountability in the missions and valuing the work. Inclusion is then opposed to exclusion, segregation or discrimination.
In short, diversity is a fact, while inclusion is a choice.
In France, no employee or public official may be discriminated against at work in terms of hiring, training, salary, etc. Employees are protected by the labour law as well as the penal code. Discrimination can occur between the employer and the employee or only between employees.
If you are the victim of discrimination at work, you can report the facts to the staff representatives and to the social and economic committee (CSE).You cannot be sanctioned for denouncing these facts, unless the denunciation is based on imaginary facts. The first thing to do by a victim of a discriminatory act or remark is to prove the existence of this fact. For this, one must gather evidence capable of proving this. It can be i.e pay slips, testimonials of certain employees, work memos…
It’s possible to file a complaint to the police or seize the labour court. Any discrimination is punishable by 3 years in prison and a fine of €45,000.
In addition, the abolition of slavery is a local public holiday taking place on the 22nd of May every year.