What is diversity and inclusivity?
Diversity is about the differences between people. Such as gender, age, language, skin colour, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and cultural background. Inclusivity is about how you handle these differences. If your company is inclusive, it means that everyone can participate. Despite the differences. Read more about the meaning of diversity and inclusivity, and why it is important, at KVK.nl.
Laws on diversity and inclusivity
You must treat all your employees the same. For example, you may not discriminate against them, and you must reward your employees in the same way. You may not discourage people from applying for a job vacancy. Ensure equal treatment during the application. There are several laws to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
Participation Act and Job Agreement
The Participation Act is intended to ensure that people with an occupational disability or illness have a greater chance of finding a job. Do you employ an employee with an occupational disability? Then you can get support from the government. For example, help with modifying a workplace and guidance in the workplace. Do you employ more than 25 employees? Then the job agreement applies. You must hire people with an occupational disability. Read more about the Participation Act and the job agreement.
More women in top positions
Since January 2022, listed companies are obliged to ensure a better distribution between men and women in top positions. For example, at least 1 in 3 members of the Supervisory Board (SB) must be female. And you need to make a plan to get more women in leadership positions. Read more about the amendment to the law for more women in top positions.
Reducing wage costs with subsidies and allowances
For certain employees you can receive subsidies and allowances and so reduce labour costs. For example, if you hire someone on benefits who falls under the job agreement, you can apply for Labour Costs Compensation (Loonkostenvoordeel, LKV) for them. For older employees, or employees with an occupational disability for instance. You can also apply for a labour cost subsidy through your municipality for employees who fall under the Participation Act. Or apply for a wage dispensation from UWV for employees with a Wajong benefit, if they perform less than other employees. Read more about subsidies and allowances for wage costs.
Rules for a safe and healthy workplace for specific employees
You are responsible for a safe and healthy work environment. To ensure that all employees can do their job, there are special rules for certain employees that are laid down in the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet). For example, consider what an older employee can handle. Or modify the workplace for an employee with a disability. Read more about the working conditions rules for specific employees.
Apply for a subsidy for workplace modification
Are you making changes in the workplace for a sick employee or an employee with a disability? Then you can receive compensation for this. Examples of such modifications are a stair lift, or a modified desk or toilet. Read more about subsidy for modification in the workplace.
Offer a trial placement
You can offer an unpaid trial placement to someone who is partially disabled. The candidate will then keep their benefit but can start working for your company. Are you satisfied with the trial placement? Then you can hire the candidate without further probation. The condition is that you intend to offer the employee an employment contract of at least 6 months. UWV must give permission for a trial placement. Read more about the conditions for a trial placement.
Guidance by a job coach
Do you have an employee with a disability or on trial placement? Then you can apply for a subsidy for an internal job coach. A job coach guides the employee and provides personal training, for example. Read more about guidance by a job coach.
Insight into the cultural diversity in your company
The government encourages cultural diversity in the workplace. Would you like to know more about the cultural diversity within your company? At the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has developed the Cultural Diversity Barometer to measure this. And also to compare cultural diversity with national or regional statistics. The barometer can be used by companies with more than 250 employees. This is to protect employee privacy. Read more about the Cultural Diversity Barometer.
Do you have any questions?
- Contact KVK or call: +31 (0)88 585 2222
- Ask other entrepreneurs for advice on Higherlevel.nl
