Impact of Workplace Policies on Employee Satisfaction: Unilever Report

This report examines the impact of workplace policies on employee satisfaction, focusing on the case of Unilever. It begins with an introduction outlining objectives, research questions, and the rationale for the study, emphasizing the importance of addressing workplace discrimination. The literature review explores various workplace policies related to equality, their effectiveness on employee engagement, and their impact on employee performance. The methodology section details the research philosophy, approaches, and methods, including data collection through questionnaires. The report analyzes the data, draws conclusions, and offers recommendations, followed by a reflection on alternative research methodologies. The report highlights the significance of equality and diversity in fostering a positive work environment, promoting employee rights, and enhancing organizational performance. The research aims to provide insights into how organizations can implement effective policies to improve employee satisfaction and engagement, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and productive workplace.

Research

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................4
Objectives ...................................................................................................................................4
Research questions .....................................................................................................................5
Rationale of the research ............................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW ...............................................................................................................5
Various workplace policies related to equality ..........................................................................5
Effectiveness of organisational policies on employee engagement ...........................................6
Importance of implementing equality policies within organisation ...........................................6
Impact of workplace equality policies on employee performance..............................................7
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................8
Methodology and Data Collection...................................................................................................8
Research philosophy...................................................................................................................8
Research approaches...................................................................................................................8
Research sources ........................................................................................................................9
Sampling methods ......................................................................................................................9
Cost, Access and ethical issues...................................................................................................9
Questionnaires ..........................................................................................................................10
Data analysis and interpretations...................................................................................................13
Conclusion and Recommendations ...............................................................................................21
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................21
REFLECTION AND ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..................................22
Reflection .................................................................................................................................22
Recommendation of alternative research methodology ...........................................................22
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................24

Aim of the research - Impact of workplace policies on increasing employee
satisfaction
INTRODUCTION
Workplace discrimination occurs when individuals within a company are discriminated
on the basis of various elements. When employees and job applicants are discriminated from
another person then it creates feel of employee dissatisfaction. There are different factors on the
basis of which employees of the company can be discriminated such as gender, age, ethnicity,
race, mental or physical disability, etc. The employee discrimination can occur in different
situations such as when a candidate is preferred within a job advertisement, excluding potential
employees at the time of recruitment, etc., denying some employee compensation and benefits,
etc. There are various regulations and rules adopted by the companies for providing equal
opportunities and rights to employees. The following research is conducted on the topic related
to the employee behaviour. It will be analysed that all the employees must be treated in equal
manner so that they will work properly. The company considered in this report is Unilever. This
is a British Dutch company which provides products and services to customers across the world.
The headquarters of this company are located in London, UK. There are approximately 13
brands which are associated with Unilever. This organisation was founded by Margarine Unie
and Lever Brothers in the year 1929. there is need for managing workplace discrimination
policies so that goals can be achieved.
Objectives
 To assess various workplace policies related to equality
 To analyse the effectiveness of organisational policies on employee engagement
 To determine importance of implementing equality policies within organisation
 To examine impact of workplace equality policies on employee performance
Research questions
 What are various workplace policies related to equality ?
 Explain effectiveness of organisational policies on employee engagement ?
 What do you mean by importance of implementing equality policies within
organisation ?

 What is the impact of workplace equality policies on employee performance ?
Rationale of the research
The rationale of developing this project is to determine the one of the crucial topic which is
experienced by almost every companies even if it big, medium or small i.e. workplace
discrimination at the workplace. By conducting respective research project manager is
determining information of related to the workplace diversity and discrimination. In addition to
this researcher also want to develop their understanding related to the inequality and diversity at
the workplace. Along with this, by conducting research on the workplace discrimination project
manager able to identify the ways through which a company a may adopt and implement
diversity as well as avoid inequality at their workplace as that will help in attaining desire growth
at the potential market successfully.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Various workplace policies related to equality
It is analysed from the views of Phipps, 2020, equality and diversity are two important
factors while promoting equal rights and opportunities for employees. There are different acts
given by government for developing equality and diversity at workplace. Some of these are
equality act, sex discrimination act and human rights act. It is very important to provide equal
rights and opportunities to all employees as it leads to understand individuals properly and make
effective judgements without stereotypes. There is need of managing effective organisational
approach in order to appreciate as well as analyse the skill set. There is need for company to
analyse the needs and demands of employees for effective functioning. There are some rights
and regulations given by government for maintaining positive workplace. When there are legal
regulations present within the company, there is management of employee rights effectively. It is
helpful for creating a good workplace in which employees can work. Some of the legal rights
involved in managing the employees include some benefits which are provided to employees.
Some female workers who are doing some jobs which is same as male employees are paid equal
salary. When physical disabilities are there in an individual then it is important to provide him or
her some favour. While working in office, physically disabled people are provided wheelchair,
spectacles, etc. Age is not considered as a restrictive element within the employment. If an

individual is having effective skills and he is able to manage the work assigned to him, then it is
because of different legal regulations provided within the company.
Effectiveness of organisational policies on employee engagement
As per the views of Gibson and Fernandez, 2018, it is concluded that organisational
policies which are adopted by organisations in context of workplace equality leads to attain goals
in less time. Employee satisfaction is defined as the level of happiness which an employee has
within the company. There is need of effective development and management of policies in
various companies. It manages the functioning of company properly. These are the main impact
of the inequality at the workplace which every company need to avoid or minimize as that will
help in enhancing productivity. There are both positive as well as negative impact of the equality
and diversity on the staff members of employees which can enhance the performance of workers
if implemented effectively. On the other hand, it can leads towards the decline of motivation
within employees which reduces the performance of overall business in an adverse manner.
Benefits of workplace equality policies in a companyEmployment Legislation provides the
guidelines followed by organisations. There are various laws which protect the rights of
employees in an organisation. They are the behaviours in which the companies should provide
the environment which is comfortable for employees. Equality Act 2010- This act provides the
equal business opportunities for employees. They are treated well and are not discriminated on
the bases on caste, language, sex, etc. It has benefited the employees as they have the right to
speak against these inequalities. Companies are fined if any complain from the employees come.
Sexual Harassment Act 2013- There are various practices in an organisation which affects them
physically.
Importance of implementing equality policies within organisation
As per views of Louise petty, 2016 equality and diversity is a concept that is relevant fort
all organisations. The main aim is to ensure that there is access of same opportunities and
enhancing a fair treatment to all employees. This leads to disallowing of employers any type of
discrimination or unequal policies because of race, gender or religion based on promotion or
growth & development opportunities to deal with barriers. There can be psoitive impact on
organisations as employees are highly motivated to maximise their contribution towards assigned
roles & responsibilities in a more productive manner. There is no discrimination and they can
deal sensitivity & more effectively with all such type of discrimination related complaints. There

is enhancement of employee morale so that there can be retaining of wide talent pool in case of
recruitment of employees. There is enhancement of a diverse workforce that has a inclusive
culture of retention of employees with high employee progression, the environment becomes
more nurturing there is creativity because of diverse mindsets that leads to organisation having a
high competitive advantages.
Impact of workplace equality policies on employee performance
There is a environment that is complete free from any type of discrimination,
victimisation, harrsement or bullying that can lead to a complete negative impact on employees
productivity level. It leads to following of all acts to eliminate any type of unlawful
discrimination and promotion effective relationship among employees. It helps in prohibiting all
types of prejudicial behaviour on part of employees and making adjustments so that each
employees has same opportunities, all workplaces have to comply with legal acts that is
considering a environment that is very positive for each and every employee. This feature helps
in having a inclusive & a diverse workforce that can be beneficial for a business. As teams can
be understood by employers with high international focus and building of cross cultural relations
with overseas customers. It also helps in promoting understanding & awareness of different
characteristics that can help in reduction of instances of discrimination. It has a positive impact
in form of reduction in complaints and no use of any type of disciplinary action on part of
employers or employment tribunal claims. All this leads to a situation of reduced costs and no
disruption for employers to manage their employees. Employees are able to maintain a situation
of reasonable adjustments with each other as they are protect with a; clauses of Equality act. In
some cases employers are free to use a positive action but they have to posses a reasonable
justification for this positive cation that have been use to discriminate against others. It has been
identified that the concept of equality and diversity is one of the most effective as well as crucial
factor which needs to be considered by higher authorities of the business organisation in an
effective manner so that they will be able to develop positive and effective working environment
at workplace.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Methodology and Data Collection
Research philosophy
It is said that there are various sort of phenomenon used by researcher in order to gather
and analyse all the information in an effective manner. Research philosophy usually includes
positivism as well as interpretivism method which is used to effectively conduct the research in a
well define manner. In the context of present research, interpretivism research philosophy is used
by researcher in order to gather all the information associated with the topic in an effective
manner.
Research approaches
This is a sort of method used by large number of researchers with the help of which
project manager will be able to gather valid and authentic information. It has been analysed that
there are two types of research approaches one is inductive and other one is deductive. In relation
to the present research, it is said that deductive approach is used by researcher so that they will
be able to conclude the whole research in a proper manner.
Research methods
If talking about research methods, there are some specific methodologies used by
researcher in order to collect information as per the requirement of investigation. These methods
are different and used by researcher as per their need and comfort which leads towards the
conclusion of their research in an effective way. These research methods are qualitative and
quantitative research method. Quantitative method includes all quantifiable, numerical, facts and
figures which aid in getting results in numerical format. Whereas in case of Qualitative method
all the information are non–numerical and are based on the human perception and behaviours.
In regard of current research, investigator adopt quantitative method in order to gather
information which are authentic and valid. This is because researcher is going to conduct
literature review section in order to gather qualitative information whereas develop questionnaire
for gathering all the information in the form of quantitative method. With the help of which they
will be able to gather authenticate and reliable substance for acquiring pre determined result. In
addition to this, these methods are cost effective, provide authenticate information, ethical data
and so on.

Research sources
There are usually two sort of method in order to collect data and information which are
primary as well as secondary method. In relation to primary source all the data gathered by
researcher are fresh and raw which aid in gathering fresh information related to the topic. For
this, sources used by researcher includes questionnaire, survey, observation and many more.
Whereas in case of secondary method information can be used by researcher which are already
available. For this, researcher used newspaper, books, articles, journals and many more.
In this research, both primary and secondary research methods are used by researcher so
that they will be able to draw valid conclusion. In this research, it is said that for most of the part
direct assessment of current books, journals, articles, websites, and paper are used which will
help in accumulate legitimate data. In regard of individual exploration, if venture supervisor
receive optional sources they will accumulate data from the sources which are as of now present.
Sampling methods
It is define as a method with the help of which researcher will be able to target their
audiences. In the present context, simple random sampling is used by researcher with the help of
which they will be able to target 40 respondents. These respondents are the employees of
Unilever with the help of which researcher will be able to conduct their research in an effective
manner. While deciding the numbers of audience or conducting sampling it is essential for
researcher to determine appropriate number of candidates as if they select more than project
manager not able to determine or calculate outcome. On the other hand if they select less than
they not able to gather information properly.
Cost, Access and ethical issues
For every research, cost is one of the most effective factor which have the capability of
creating both positive as well as negative impact. In the present investigation, total amount
needed to complete the whole research in an effective manner is around $150. If talking about
the access as well as ethical issues it is said that researcher need to consider all the ethical issues
in an effective manner so they can avoid any kind of adverse impact and develop positive
outcome in an effective manner.

Questionnaires
This is one of the most effective method used by researcher in which opinion and view
point of respondents are going to be analysed. In this research, 40 respondents are selected who
are the employees of Unilever.
Questionnaires
Name –
Age –
Contact no. –
E mail Id –
Q 1. Are you aware with the concept of workplace discrimination?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 2. Does implementation of workplace policies help in increasing the engagement of
employees?
a) Yes
b) No
c) May be
Q 3. What influence does workplace discrimination create on the performance of
employees at the workplace?
a) Positive influence
b) Negative influence
c) Neutral
Q 4. What are the major policies used by higher authorities of Unilever in order to
create positive working environment at the workplace?
a) Sex Discrimination Act
b) Equality Act
c) Human Rights Act
Q 5. What is the impact does workplace policies create over the performance and
efficiency of staff member of Unilever?
a) Enhancement of employees performance

b) Increase employees engagement
c) Development of positive working environment
d) All of the above
Q 6. What are the elements which help the management team of Unilever in order to
increase the engagement as well as satisfaction of employees?
a) Equal opportunities for each employee
b) Recognition and awards for their work
c) Feedback on regular basis
d) All of the above
Q 7. Do you think adoption of workplace policies within Unilever creates effectiveness
and raise the performance of employees?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
c) Neutral
Q 8. What are some methods with the help of which managers of Unilever can avoid
issues developed due to employees discrimination at workplace?
a) Motivate staff members
b) Reduce conflicts and issues
c) Active listening about the issues faced by staff members
Q 9. As per your opinion do you think equality rules and regulation within Unilever help
in increasing employee satisfaction?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 10. Provide further suggestions to the management team of Unilever in order to
increase employee satisfaction at workplace.
Frequency table
Q 1. Are you aware with the concept of workplace
discrimination?
Frequency
a) Agree 30

b) Disagree 10
Q 2. Does implementation of workplace policies help in
increasing the engagement of employees?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
c) May be 10
Q 3. What influence does workplace discrimination create on
the performance of employees at the workplace?
Frequency
a) Positive influence 15
b) Negative influence 15
c) Neutral 5
Q 4. What are the major policies used by higher authorities of
Unilever in order to create positive working environment at
the workplace?
Frequency
a) Sex Discrimination Act 10
b) Equality Act 15
c) Human Rights Act 15
Q 5. What is the impact does workplace policies create over the
performance and efficiency of staff member of Unilever?
Frequency
a) Enhancement of employees performance 10
b) Increase employees engagement 5
c) Development of positive working environment 15
d) All of the above 10
Q 6. What are the elements which help the management team
of Unilever in order to increase the engagement as well as
satisfaction of employees?
Frequency
a) Equal opportunities for each employee 10
b) Recognition and awards for their work 10
c) Feedback on regular basis 15
d) All of the above 5
Q 7. Do you think adoption of workplace policies within Frequency

Unilever creates effectiveness and raise the performance of
employees?
a) Agree 15
b) Disagree 10
c) Neutral 10
e) All of the above 5
Q 8. What are some methods with the help of which managers
of Unilever can avoid issues developed due to employees
discrimination at workplace?
Frequency
a) Motivate staff members 15
b) Reduce conflicts and issues 15
c) Active listening about the issues faced by staff members 10
Q 9. As per your opinion do you think equality rules and
regulation within Unilever help in increasing employee
satisfaction?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15
Data analysis and interpretations
Theme 1 Concept of Workplace Discrimination
Q 1. Are you aware with the concept of workplace
discrimination?
Frequency
a) Agree 30
b) Disagree 10