While the law requires all businesses to treat employees fairly, avoiding discrimination and encouraging inclusion is so much more than simply meeting a legal requirement.
The benefits of a diverse workforce are clear for all to see; and the more effort a business puts into creating an inclusive and fair workplace that reflects the community in which it operates, the more likely it is to be seen as an attractive place to work.
It’s true that it can be difficult to ensure equal opportunities for all. Stereotypes exist and it can be difficult to break down those barriers, but inclusive recruitment means taking into account all manner of differences. From protected characteristics, such as race, age, ethnicity, gender, disability and religion, to different aptitudes, personality types and preferred working methods, such as flexible working, it all matters in creating a diverse workforce.
Inclusive recruitment practices mean removing as many barriers as possible for the maximum number of people. So, where do you start when looking at how to improve diversity and inclusion in recruitment?
Hiring
Take a look at your hiring processes and ask yourself whether you are reaching the widest possible audience? Widening the potential talent pool gives an employer a far better chance of attracting the kind of people they want in their organisation.
How are applications reviewed and what is the selection process? Have you adopted the right screening, interviewing and shortlisting strategies to overcome natural bias? Blind CV screening and structured interviews can help, as can having key strategic benchmarks against which to judge applicants.
A well-drawn up diversity recruitment plan can help create a workforce that reflects the population in which the business operates, and leverages the widest possible range of experience, knowledge and perspectives.
Office environment
Recruitment strategies are only part of the solution, and creating an office that clearly takes diversity seriously is also important.
Make sure branding and promotional materials highlight the diverse nature of your team. Show potential customers and employees that race, age, disability and religion are no barrier to being a part of your workforce.
It could be that ongoing training is necessary to ensure that all employees understand what diversity is all about and continue to play their part in making the office environment open, welcoming and inclusive.
A diverse team can be a real asset when different backgrounds, real-life experiences and different ways of thinking and approaching problems come together to work towards greater success for your company.
The benefits
Showing that yours is a company that is serious about diversity and inclusion is one of the key drivers of growth and innovation within a business.
Where people feel comfortable and valued, where they feel heard and that their input and opinions are respected, will feed through to the way your business operates. Employees who are happy at work are likely to be productive and more likely to remain with your company, promoting stability and saving the time and cost of recruitment.
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