HBS Managing the Future of Work

Designing Equitable Workplaces

11 snips
Jul 2, 2025
Iris Bohnet, a Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, and Siri Chilazi, a researcher and co-author of 'Make Work Fair', discuss the critical need for workplace equity. They dive into how data-driven strategies can transform hiring practices by promoting skill-based assessments over traditional degree requirements. The conversation highlights the benefits of flexible work environments for diverse groups and the importance of public policy in fostering inclusion. Together, they offer actionable insights for organizations striving for fairness in their practices.
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INSIGHT

Fairness Is a Design Problem

  • Fairness in the workplace is more a design problem than a moral commitment.
  • It relies heavily on policies, procedures, execution, and metrics for real progress.
ADVICE

Balance Policy with Flexibility

  • Combine top-level policy with local flexibility to address diverse workforce needs.
  • Avoid one-size-fits-all policies, allowing self-selection for better employee performance.
ADVICE

Embed Fairness in Daily Work

  • Integrate fairness efforts into daily workflows rather than separate programs.
  • Small, timely interventions can meaningfully impact hiring diversity.
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