Improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hiring strategies

Diversity is an integral aspect of the society we live in today. Our cities are metropolitan, our food is continental, and our value systems are a hybrid realization of old and new, oriental and western.

Diversity plays an equally important role in the workplace. As per a 2015 report by McKinsey, diversity in an organization lead to increased production, as the top performing companies in the study were also the most diverse.

In the same context, our hiring strategies have also been required to evolve to accommodate today’s needs. Inclusive hiring strategies are those that recognize and embrace the diversity amongst individuals and give each one an equal opportunity. Let’s explore some of the most important things to keep in mind during the recruitment process:

Diverse Hiring Committee

A hiring committee that represents different aspects of your organization can go a long way in reinforcing a diverse culture. This would include varying cultural/ethnic/religious backgrounds as well as different facets of the organization, with employees of different levels. A truly diverse hiring committee rules out the possibility of any bias, conscious or otherwise.

Evaluation of Recruits

All candidates must be given an opportunity to showcase or highlight their skills, and why they would be a good fit for the company. After an evaluation of a recruit’s skills, the most suitable individual for the role in the organization must be selected. Ensure that all candidates are asked the exact same questions, in the same order. Their answers are then graded and compared with the rest of the recruits to ensure objectivity.

Promoting the Diverse Culture

When recruiting or communicating with potential candidates, ensure that the diverse culture of your organization is understood. A study from 2017 revealed that young talent is more attracted to a company that openly exhibits a diverse culture. Another benefit this provides is that all employees, whether old or new, have a clear idea about the expectations of the organization in the workplace, and the culture it embodies.

Networking

Attending job fairs is a great method of connecting with a broad range of candidates. Broadening your organization’s horizons through such conglomerations is a proven recipe for success.

Another facet of networking is by meeting with organizations and attending events that bring together underrepresented candidate groups. Leveraging these connections can lead to a significant increase in the quality and quantity of candidates that show interest in your organization.

Now that we’ve established how to achieve an inclusive hiring strategy, let us examine why we need to do so.

What are the benefits that an inclusive environment can provide to your organization?

Increased Productivity and Creativity

Various cultures and backgrounds working together vastly improves the creativity shown in problem-solving in an organization. This diverse work environment in turn leads to a significant uptick in productivity. The broader range of skills, as well as a diversity of experience and perspective provides an excellent space for individuals to come together and work as one.

Improved Cultural Awareness

A broad range of cultural backgrounds automatically brings about not only awareness but also sensitivity to people unlike oneself, and their culture. This can also lead to improved relations when dealing with companies from abroad, or from a different state. Having an employee that can relate to their organization, or even a staff that is completely accepting of a new culture will work wonders in the business world.

Marketing and Reputation

Finally, a diverse culture can also lead to more effective marketing, as people are more likely to buy a product or apply for a job where there are others like them. Having employees of different ages, religions, ethnicity etc. can boost your organization’s stock significantly.

Furthermore, this will also lead to an improved reputation for your organization and give you a better standing amongst competitors.

Conclusion

Most major companies have adopted inclusion hiring strategies in some shape or form, and it looks like they’re here to stay. There is no denying the benefits of recruiting with diversity in mind provides, both economically as well as socially. Inclusion hiring strategies are fast becoming the future of recruiting.