It has been proven time and again that a diverse workforce is a strong and productive one. When businesses make an effort to promote equality and diversity in the workplace, they are rewarded with employees who bring new perspectives and ideas to the table. In this blog post, we will explore how you can achieve workplace diversity through recruitment. We will look at measures you can take during interviews and applicant screening and explain why it is important for your business to have a diverse team.
What is Diversity in the Workplace?
Workplace diversity is the term used to describe a workforce that includes people from various backgrounds with different experiences and perspectives. A diverse workplace is one in which employees are not all alike but come from a range of cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ages.
Why Does Diversity in the Workplace Matter?
Countless studies show how important diversity is in the workplace. A report from McKinsey & Company found that companies with diverse management teams are 35% more likely to have above-average profitability. Another study from Harvard Business Review found that people who are exposed to diversity in the workplace are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems.
Beyond better productivity and inclusion, it’s just the right thing to do. Everyone deserves a chance to showcase their talent and be rewarded for their work, regardless of how they identify. By making an effort to have a diverse workforce, you are not only making your business stronger, but you are also helping to break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.
What Measures Can I Take to Increase Diversity?
So how can you ensure that your workplace is diverse? One way is to focus on recruitment and make sure that you are taking measures to promote equality and diversity in the workplace. Here are some things you can do:
- Be aware of your own biases and how they might impact your assessment of candidates.
- Make sure your job descriptions are inclusive and avoid using gendered language.
- Have a diverse panel of interviewers who can ask questions that assess cultural fit.
- Screen applicants based on their ability to contribute to a culture of inclusion.
- Offer unconscious bias training to all employees, from management down.
By taking these measures, you can help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. This will make your company stronger and more productive. With a diverse workforce, you will have employees who bring new perspectives and ideas to the table, which can only benefit your business.
Why is Recruitment the Best Time to do This?
Recruitment is the best time to focus on workplace diversity because it’s when you have the most control over who you hire. By being aware of your own biases and making an effort to screen applicants based on their ability to contribute to a culture of inclusion, you can help create a more diverse workplace.
Recruitment also allows you to lead your company down a new, more inclusive path. It can be an excellent opportunity to learn from past mistakes and ensure that your workforce is as strong and diverse as it can be. This will no doubt give you the edge you need over your competitors.
So if you want to create a thriving workplace, make sure that diversity is at the forefront of your mind. For more advice for employers, take a look at our dedicated pages on hiring a diverse workforce. Alternatively, take a look at our live jobs board for the opportunity to advertise your inclusive roles.
