Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are crucial for any business to succeed in today’s global economy. In fact, research shows that companies with diverse workforces outperform their less diverse counterparts by up to 35%. However, achieving DEI in hiring can be challenging, with only 22% of companies reporting that their recruitment process is completely bias-free. Additionally, in Europe, only 22% of executive-level positions are held by women, highlighting the need for improved diversity recruiting.
But how can a company develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce?
Here are 4 points you can include in your hiring process in order to improve diversity recruitment:
- Partner with organizations that support underrepresented communities By working with groups that advocate for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups, you can expand your reach and attract a more diverse pool of candidates. In addition, using inclusive language in your job postings and outreach efforts can help to make your company more appealing to a wider range of candidates.
- Address bias in the hiring process Blind screening of resumes, where names and other identifying information are removed, can help to eliminate any unconscious biases that may exist. Additionally, training interviewers to ask objective and job-related questions and allowing candidates to meet with a diverse group of interviewers can also help reduce bias.
- Creating a diverse candidate pool In Europe, only 19% of senior leadership positions are held by individuals from a minority ethnic background, highlighting the need for increased representation. Partnering with organizations such as ‘UpRising’ in the UK or ‘the European Network Against Racism’ can help to increase the visibility of underrepresented groups in the candidate pool.
- Provide an inclusive onboarding process This can include training on DEI topics, introducing new employees to diverse groups within the company, and providing resources for support and growth. Recognizing and respecting the holidays of each religion and culture is also an important aspect of promoting DEI in the workplace. Providing flexibility for employees to celebrate their holidays, as well as educating all employees about different cultural traditions, can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
Let’s Build A More Inclusive Future!
In conclusion, achieving DEI in hiring is a vital step towards building a successful and sustainable business. By partnering with diverse organizations, addressing hiring process bias, creating a diverse candidate pool, and recognizing the importance of cultural diversity, companies can attract and retain top talent from all backgrounds. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive future for all.