Provide a robust argument for ethical people practice that is supported by academic theory and details both

6. Provide a robust argument for ethical people practice that is supported by academic theory and details both the business and human benefits of people at work feeling included, valued and fairly treated. (AC 2.1) It is essential for any organisation to have a workforce that feels valued, included and fairly treated. Not only does this result in positive employee engagement and motivation, but also drives better business outcomes. As a people professional, it is your role to champion inclusive and collaborative strategies that ensure all employees feel valued.

There are numerous theories that underpin the importance of valuing people at work. One such theory is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which argues that humans have certain basic needs that must be met in order for them to function optimally. These needs include things like food and shelter, but also more intangible needs such as a sense of belonging and self-esteem. If these needs are not met, it can lead to negative consequences such as low productivity, high absenteeism and high staff turnover.

Another theory that highlights the importance of valuing people is Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory. This theory suggests that there are two key factors that contribute to employee satisfaction: hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors are things like pay and working conditions, which if not up to scratch can result in dissatisfaction.

Motivators, on the other hand, are things like opportunities for advancement and recognition, which can lead to higher levels of satisfaction. Herzberg’s theory demonstrates that it is not just the absence of negative factors that leads to a happy and productive workforce, but also the presence of positive factors