Writing Workshop

Unit 21: Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Task Type: Proposal Note: A proposal is the most effective format for this topic as it allows you to suggest actionable changes to a management team based on an analysis of current trends.

Question: You work for a large international company that has recently seen a decrease in employee engagement. A survey suggests that staff feel the current workplace culture lacks diversity and that certain groups feel excluded. You have been asked to write a proposal for the Board of Directors.

In your proposal, you should: * Analyse the current issues regarding diversity and inclusion in the company. * Suggest practical measures to improve equity and foster an inclusive environment. * Explain how these changes will benefit the company’s long-term success.

Write your proposal. You must write between 220-260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Utiliza subtítulos claros (e.g., Introduction, Current Situation, Recommendations, Conclusion). Esto es esencial en un proposal para que el lector encuentre la información rápidamente.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y profesional. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y lenguaje coloquial. Dirígete a la junta directiva con autoridad pero con respeto.
• Linking: Usa conectores de transición avanzados para guiar al lector entre la identificación del problema y la propuesta de solución (e.g., Furthermore, Consequently, Regarding...).
• Hedging: En el nivel C1, evita afirmaciones absolutas. Usa el "hedging" (lenguaje cauteloso) para sonar más profesional (e.g., It appears that... en lugar de It is... o This could lead to... en lugar of This will lead to...).
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar problemas. Cada problema debe estar vinculado a una solución lógica. El objetivo es convencer, no solo informar.
• Time management: No dediques demasiado tiempo a la introducción. El núcleo de la puntuación está en el desarrollo de las propuestas y la calidad del lenguaje.

Useful language

Model answer

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Proposal for Enhancing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

Introduction The purpose of this proposal is to address the recent decline in employee engagement caused by perceived gaps in our company's diversity and inclusion policies. This document outlines current issues and suggests strategic improvements to foster a more equitable environment.

Current Situation Recent internal surveys indicate that while our workforce is growing, there is a lack of diversity in leadership roles. Furthermore, several employee groups have expressed feelings of exclusion, suggesting that our current culture does not fully support an inclusive atmosphere. This lack of representation could potentially lead to higher staff turnover and a loss of innovative talent.

Recommendations To mitigate these issues, I propose the following measures: 1. Diversity Training: Implement mandatory unconscious bias training for all management-level staff to ensure equitable decision-making. 2. Inclusive Recruitment: Revise our hiring processes to include blind CV screening, which would help minimise bias during the initial stages of recruitment. 3. Mentorship Programmes: Establish mentorship schemes specifically designed to support underrepresented groups in ascending to leadership positions.

Expected Benefits Implementing these changes would likely result in a more motivated and diverse workforce. By fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, the company can enhance its reputation as an employer of choice, ultimately driving long-term productivity and innovation.

Conclusion In light of the current challenges, it is vital that we take proactive steps to modernise our culture. I strongly recommend the adoption of these measures to ensure our company remains a leader in the global market.

(260 words)

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todos los puntos de la tarea? (Problemas, soluciones y beneficios).
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y el formato es de una propuesta (con subtítulos)? ¿Logras convencer al lector?
• Organisation: ¿La información está organizada de forma lógica? ¿Has usado conectores para que el texto fluya suavemente?
• Language: ¿Has usado vocabulario avanzado (e.g., mitigate, underrepresented, proactive) y estructuras gramaticales complejas (e.g., passive voice, conditionals) sin errores?