While the law requires all businesses to treat employees fairly, avoiding discrimination and encouraging inclusion is more than meeting a legal requirement.
The benefits of a diverse workforce are clear. The more effort a business puts into an inclusive and fair workplace, the better. If it reflects the local community, it is more likely to seem like a great 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 traits like race, age, ethnicity, gender, disability, and religion, to different skills and personalities, it all matters. Preferred ways of working, like flexible working, also help create 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?
Tips for improving diversity and inclusion in recruitment
Hiring
Review 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, interview process 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-designed diversity recruitment plan can help build a workforce that reflects the population. It can also use a wide range of experience, knowledge, and perspectives.
Work environment
Recruitment strategies are just one part of the solution. Creating an office that values diversity 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. Different backgrounds and life experiences bring new ways to think. They help solve problems and drive greater success for your company.
The benefits
Showing that yours is a company that is serious about embracing 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.
Unlock your business’ full potential by learning more Recruitment and HR tips today.
