Pay inequity is still a 'very real and pervasive problem' worldwide, according to UKG
Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) is taking a huge step forward in closing the pay gap in a new multimillion-dollar pay equity initiative that seeks to drive awareness and resolve wage disparity between men, women, and underrepresented groups. In an announcement, the new UKG Close the Gap Initiative will fund a number of critical programmes, non-profits, awareness-building efforts, education, and research in support of pay equity. They include the following:
- Close the Gap Commitment - UKG is contributing $0.18 for every single employee paid each year via a UKG payroll solution toward the fight for pay equity.
- Philanthropic Support - UKG is partnering with the Grantmakers for Girls of Color, LeanIn.org, Reboot Representation, and 9to5, which are organisations that help women and other underrepresented groups have access to opportunity through education, enter the workforce and grow their careers.
- Pay Equity in America Research Study - UKG said it is also sponsoring research by the Harvard Business Review Analytic Services on pay equity to find existing pay gaps and progress employers are making to make equitable conditions among all genders.
- Educational Resources and Awareness - UKG will team up with experts to develop and unveil educational resources for best practices in HR, compensation planning, recruiting, and hiring that support pay equity. An awareness campaign on gender pay gap will also be launched through broadcast and digital platforms.
- Close the Gap Pledge - UKG is asking people to join the Close the Gap Pledge to fight inequality in the workplace.
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Brian Reaves, chief belonging, diversity, and equity officer at UKG, said in a statement that pay inequity is still a "very real and pervasive problem" across the world, with gaps widening even further thanks to intersectionality.
"As an organisation whose purpose is people, we know that an individual's income impacts every aspect of life, including their health, wellness, family, and future. Through this campaign, we are committing several million dollars towards the work for meaningful and permanent change in the area of pay equity," said Reaves.
