5. DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGY IN RECRUITING
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What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?
Diversity, equity and inclusion are closely related
ethical values apprehended by most organizations that interconnect different
groups of people from different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities,
genders and sexual orientations. This has a true impact only when its combined
together. Some organizations include related concepts such as belonging in
their DEI strategies.
McKinsey & Company, (2022)
73% of employers believe diversity is important to encourage creative and innovative
thinking within the company.
Recruiter's blog
(2024)
(Nathifa, 2021) Equality Diversity & Inclusion in 2021 – Wha’s it all about?
As cited in McKinsey & Company, (2022)
Diversity refers to who is represented in the workforce. Some examples of diversity in workplaces include:
· Gender diversity: What makes up the composition of
men, women, and nonbinary people in a given population?
· Age diversity: Are
people in a group from mostly one generation, or is there a mix of ages?
· Ethnic diversity: Do
people in a group share common national or cultural traditions, or do they
represent different backgrounds?
· Physical ability and neurodiversity: Are the perspectives of people with disabilities, whether apparent or not, accounted for?
Equity refers to fair treatment for all people, so that
the norms, practices, and policies in place ensure identity is not predictive
of opportunities or workplace outcomes.
Inclusion refers to how the workforce experiences the workplace and the degree to which organizations embrace all employees and enable them to make meaningful contributions.
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| MBCGEA, (2020) What is Diversity and Inclusion? |
The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategy - DEI Strategy
This strategy aims to create a more inclusive environment by growing the depiction of diverse teams or groups within organizations. These workplace strategies include
· Creating opportunities for people to learn about diverse culture.
· Inspiring cultural awareness among the team leaders and managers.
· Enabling to encourage positiveness towards diversity equity and inclusion.
The HR Hub (2023) Best 7 DEI Initiative at Work
The Importance of DEI Strategy in Recruiting
According to Symonds, (2023)
· Strengthen your reputation as an equal opportunities’ employer.
· Result in higher levels
of productivity, innovation and performance
· Improve employee
retention rates
· Give you access to wider
talent pool
· Protect you from claims
· Help you build an
ethical and more sustainable business
Diversity and Recruitment Best Practices
Set SMART Goals
§ The best way to practice inclusive recruiting is to set SMART goals. The objectives
should be Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound.
§ Be precise about what
you want to achieve.
§ Make sure the diversity
and inclusion goals are sensible and achievable.
Create
a Diversity Recruitment Strategy
§ Once you set the SMART goals, you need to create a recruitment strategy to guide the
rest of the diversity
recruitment that you will implement in the organization.
§ This will serve as a guide
to becoming a better and diverse employer.
§ A diversity recruitment strategy defines the actions you will be taking, who will
be accountable and
how you will measure success.
§ A full evaluation of
your current hiring practices in your strategy should be included.
§ Different surveys in the workplace can be a great tool to understand the current level
of diversity
and inclusion in your recruitment process.
Promote your Employer Brand
§ There is a necessity to consider the external factors while implementing internal
diversity and inclusion recruitment. What is your reputation as a fair employer? How is
the
brand conveyed among the general public?
§ There are many tools to
measure for evaluating your reputation as an employer.
§ Sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn provide a wealth of opinions posted by past
employees who did not
make it through the recruitment process.
§ Communicate clearly that you are committed to diversity and inclusion through as
many channels as
possible.
§ Create a good company culture that promotes work-life balance and help employees
to grow. Thereafter
this strong culture attracts talent an retains the best employees.
Create
and Accessible Website
§ Make sure you create an accessible website and use it to promote the commitment
to diversity and
inclusion.
§ A good standard to
follow is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Attract
More Diverse Applicants
§ Adjust accordingly in
order to attract more diverse applicants.
§ Check whether your recruitment team is diverse in the first place, for example: there is
a range of ages, ethnic backgrounds sexual orientations and genders. Otherwise, there
can be unconscious bias.
§ Make sure you use neutral
and inclusive language in your job postings.
§ Focus on promoting workplace policies that appeal to arrange of people with
different backgrounds.
Use
a Diverse Range of Recruitment Platforms
§ Make sure you include
an analysis of the recruitment platforms that you use.
§ Use different outreach methods to expand your recruiting efforts and expand your
candidate pool. Social media can also be a great platform for reaching a wide range
of candidates.
§ Consider about virtual
recruiting methods.
Reduce
Unconscious Bias
§ To become a more inclusive
employer, it is important to reduce unconscious bias.
§ Implementing these
strategies will help you to identify and correct these biases.
§ Make sure the hiring panel is diverse as possible and train the hiring managers in
diversity and
inclusion.
§ Create a standardized process for hiring with a hiring checklist that managers require
to follow at all
times.
§ Conduct blind CV
reviews
§ Make sure the
recruitment process has transparency and is accessible by everyone.
Use
the Right Technology
§ The correct Human Resource Information System (IRIS) helps you become a more
inclusive employer.
§ This type of practice can help you achieve its overall DEI targets.
§ An applicant tracking system can help you increase your chances of finding the right
person for the job.
Track
your Recruitment Diversity and Inclusion Metrics
§ You can have a hiring dashboard and centralize all the data and at the same time you
can use to see
what methods work well.
§ A hiring dashboard is
useful for tracking the demographics of all your applicants
§ You can always use some of the diversity metrics to measure the progress and success
of your inclusive
hiring best practices.
(Symonds, 2023)
Extracted from the 2023 DEI Lighthouses Report by McKinsey & Company (2023)
The eight DEI Lighthouse cases below were featured in the 2023 DEI
Lighthouses report and were selected by an independent expert panel for
their demonstrated impact and ability to inspire others. They are:
(McKinsey & Company, 2023) (Table 1, p.15) Snapshot of 2023 DEI Lighthouse cases
Conclusion
To initiate this strategy, we need a lot of effort and
could be achieved in the long-run. Organizations need to have proper and actionable
plans with quantifiable outcomes. You can even loose the top talent as a result
of not having a DEI strategy in place in your company. Therefore, to create a
diverse workplace is the way to go to get the most out of it. This will benefit
now rather than lose your good employees to better organizations. This means
creating a corporate culture based on diversity and inclusion. The DEI initiatives
are very important to design and create innovative workplaces.
References
MBCGEA, (2020) What is Diversity and Inclusion? [image]. Available at: What-is-Diversity-and-Inclusion-FactSheet-01-1366x2048.jpg (1366×2048) (mbcgea.com) [Accessed on 27th March 2024].
McKinsey & Company (2023) Centre for the New Economy and Society Global Parity Alliance: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lighthouses 2023 INSIGHT REPORT JANUARY 2023. Switzerland: World Economic Forum. Table 1- p.15. Available at: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Parity_Alliance_2023.pdf [Accessed on 27th March 2024].
McKinsey & Company, (2022) What is diversity, equity and inclusion? Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-diversity-equity-and-inclusion [Accessed on 29th March 2024].
Nathifa, (2021) Equality Diversity & Inclusion in 2021 – What’s it all about? [video]. 8 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maw6hmlNh44 [Accessed on 27th March 2024].
Recruiter’s Blog. (2024) The Importance of Diversity & Inclusion in Recruitment. [blog]. Available at: https://evalground.com/blog/importance-of-diversity-and-inclusion-in-recruitment/ [Accessed on 28th March 2024].
Symonds, C. (2023) 9 Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Best Practices [blog]. Available at: https://factorialhr.com/blog/diversity-and-inclusion-recruitment-best-practices/ [Accessed on 29th March 2024]
The HR Hub. (2023) Best 7 DEI Initiative at Work [video]. 16 November. Available at: https://youtu.be/dQ7z55u5rso [Accessed on 29th March 2024].
World Economic Forum, (2024) Diversion and Inclusion [image]. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/how-inclusion-benefits-global-economy/ [Accessed on 28th March 2024].
By fostering diversity and inclusivity, organizations can drive innovation, creativity, and business success while also addressing systemic barriers and biases. It's a strategic, necessity in today's diverse and interconnected world.
ReplyDeleteYes Arundathi, it has become a strategic necessity in the modern diverse culture. Appreciate your valuable comment Arundathi.
DeleteExcellent work and good concept . Diversity is critically important to a success full organization for several reasons .it fosters innovation and creativity by bringing together individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Vicknesh. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plays a vital role in fostering an innovative and creative culture withing the organization.
DeleteWow, What an extraordinary article! A clear summary of and informative content, a well-structured recertification process that promotes diversity and continuous learning, companies can benefit from a more skilled, adaptable, and engaged workforce.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable comment, Dilshad. Yes, definitely companies can benefit when the employees become more skilled, adaptable and engaged in the workplace. It's always a win-win to both parties.
DeleteA well written excellent article, Judith.You have presented it well with the informative video on equality, diversity and inclusion. I particularly like the discussion on the Iceberg model, which gives a more indepth knowledge of the needs arising within different cultures. Equal opportunities' employers are very much in demand as employees state a higher level of job satisfaction when working for them. The DEI strategy in recruiting is also an innovative approach in HR, and I really like the way you have strategically used it for the purpose of recruitment, employee engagement and employee retention.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment on my blog, Anjalika. Yes, the DEI strategy in recruiting has become an innovative approach today. Implementing this strategy needs to be promoted more, as diverse organizational culture is essential to improve the employee engagement and employee retention. It is necessary for the employees to feel they are valued and included.
Deleterecruitment strategies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential for building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the richness of perspectives and experiences within society. By intentionally incorporating DEI principles into recruitment practices, organizations can foster a culture of belonging, innovation, and excellence.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the valuable insights, Nilakshi. Yes, DEI initiatives are an essential in building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
DeleteIndeed, Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only about fulfilling ethical requirements; it is also about encouraging innovation, retaining the best employees, and finally, ensuring your company's long-term success.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable comment, Minoshi. Agree with you, creating an inclusive workplace helps in encouraging innovation, employee retention and the success of the company in the long run.
DeleteImpressive topic and very relevant to global context. While western countries are sprinting on the subject, we are still crawling. Most of all we need it more than anyone in the world. In Sri Lankan context, DEI need to be incorporated not only in the strategies but also in the policies of an organization. This is one article which should be published and shared among all leading corporates and its leaders in the country.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Sharfaz. Agree with you, globally speaking the DEI Strategy has been and is being implemented by many organizations but Sri Lanka is far behind in every perspective in utilizing this strategy. Sri Lanka needs to in cooperate DEI strategies wherever possible, as this adds more value to a company in terms of creativeness, innovation and success. Employee will feel they are included and heard where this can foster positive organizational culture and thereby increase the overall performance.
DeleteGood article on DEI Judith .by incorporating DEI practices into digital recruitment platforms, organizations can attract a wider pool of candidates from diverse backgrounds, thereby fostering a more inclusive workforce (Barrington & Vining, 2020).
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Sudesh. Yes the DEI Strategy is a modern recruitment strategy where it will help to attract a more diverse pool of candidates. The inclusive workplaces directly relate to DEI as this strategy is making the workplaces transform into better ones.
DeleteYour article offers a thorough examination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies in recruitment, highlighting their significance in creating a diverse workforce. It presents key practices like setting SMART goals and reducing unconscious bias to achieve DEI objectives. Thank you for sharing these valuable insights!
ReplyDeleteYes Ruchira, SMART goals are necessary because they enable the employers to achieve realistic goals. Implementing this DEI strategy helps to foster a diverse workforce and reduce bias in recruiting. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteGood article complete information related to given topic thanks your effort
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Jagath. This strategy plays a vital role in building a diverse culture and helps in the development of the workforce.
DeleteLGBTQ+ inclusion in workforce diversity is vital for creating inclusive workplaces where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. How does you incorporate LGBTQ+ into the organization?
ReplyDeleteCertainly Chamara! LGBTQ+ inclusion is mandatory to build a diverse and inclusive organizational culture.
DeleteWe could implement the Strategies suggested by Brouard, (2022) in the workplace to incorporate LGBTQ+ in the organization.
1. Review your policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion - Having LGBTQ+ policies in the workplace is crucial for setting the guidelines on how to be more inclusive and avoid discrimination. LGBTQ+ inclusion should be a core part of your Equality and Diversity policy; having a separate policy for LGBTQ+ inclusion is an even clearer way to show your commitment to tackling discrimination in this area.
2. Provide LGBTQ+ training - Offering LGBTQ+ training in the workplace as part of equality and diversity training can be a powerful way to educate everyone about LGBTQ+ issues.
3. Set up an LGBTQ+ network - Creating an LGBTQ+ network can be a great way to support staff. A network means LGBTQ+ employees can meet in a safe space within their place of work to relate to one another.
4. Appoint LGBTQ+ allies - Are there non-LGBTQ+ people in your workplace who are passionate about or interested in LGBTQ+ rights? Get them onboard as an LGBTQ+ ally; they can champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and act as a source of support for LGBTQ+ staff.
5. List your pronouns - Clearly stating your pronouns (be they she/her, he/him, they/them or a mixture of pronouns, such as she/they or he/they) has become a way for everyone to normalize not assuming someone's gender.
6. Incorporate gender-neutral language - Gender-neutral language avoids bias towards a particular gender.
7. Create unisex toilets - Unisex bathrooms are more inclusive for non-binary people, who don't identify within the gender binary that single-sex toilets uphold.
8. Celebrate LGBTQ+ history and events - Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, Pride, or Trans Day of Visibility just as you would other important days in the calendar.
Indeed. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ethical values but essential components of a successful recruitment strategy. Implementing DEI initiatives not only strengthens your reputation but also enhances productivity, innovation, and employee retention. It's crucial for building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable comment Shan. Yes, the DEI strategy has become the new norm to create successful and innovative workplaces. The diverse and inclusive workforces are generally motivated and thereby benefit the company's overall productivity.
DeleteThank you for sharing such an insightful article on diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment. Your discussion of strategies for promoting diversity throughout the hiring process was particularly enlightening, Thank you for shedding light on this critical topic.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your valuable comment Wasula. This strategy is not given much value in Sri Lanka, but globally they have implemented this anywhere diverse people have access to. Even in public this inclusiveness of diverse culture plays a vital role. When it comes to hiring it is not a new thing, the companies are aware of the DEI initiatives that are in place. Therefore, we have to move forward in businesses by implementing these strategies.
DeleteCompanies run the danger of losing important personnel to rivals who place a higher priority on diversity and inclusion if they don't have a DEI plan. Establishing a DEI-focused company culture draws in varied people and fosters increased innovation, teamwork, and success.
ReplyDeleteDesigning and implementing DEI projects should be a top priority, carried out with caution, and have measurable goals. Organizations may prosper in the diverse and dynamic workplace of today by embracing diversity and cultivating a welcoming environment..
Thank you for your valuable comment, Neashara. Agree with what you have mentioned. Implementing these DEI projects and strategies should be given priority in order to develop them accordingly to embrace diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
DeleteThis article delves into the significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in recruitment strategies, outlining the core principles and offering actionable insights for implementation. By emphasizing the importance of DEI initiatives, the piece advocates for creating inclusive workplaces that foster innovation and employee satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the insightful comment, Ruwan. Emphasizing the DEI initiatives enables you to foster a diverse and inclusive environment in the organization. Yes true, the employees will be satisfied with the incorporation of this strategy.
DeleteYes and the DEI Strategy aims to foster a more inclusive environment by increasing diverse teams within organizations, promoting cultural awareness among team leaders, and encouraging positive attitudes towards diversity equity.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment, Amesha. Yes, incorporating this strategy helps to promote cultural awareness among leaders and thereby encourage positive attitudes within the workplace and foster a positive cultural awareness among the team as well.
DeleteGreat job, and an excellent concept! Diversity holds immense importance for a successful organization due to various reasons. It fuels innovation and creativity by uniting individuals with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the valuable comment, Shelan. Absolutely! Implementing this strategy helps to unite the individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and different experiences of an organization.
DeleteAgreed. A diverse workforce brings together people with unique perspectives, experiences and ideas. When organizations prioritize DEI in hiring, they create an environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Diverse teams are more likely to produce innovative solutions because they can draw on a broad range of insights and approaches.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Thilini! A diverse and inclusive workforce always brings positivity and enhances togetherness because they have such unique perspectives and ideas. These diverse teams are innovative, and they have a wide range of insights to share with the team members. This in time helps to build a diverse and inclusive workforce in an organization. Thank you for the valuable comment.
DeleteThis blog post beautifully highlights the value of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) policies in recruitment. It's inspiring to observe how DEI efforts improve corporate culture while also driving innovation and performance. Could you provide particular instances of successful DEI methods applied by businesses, as well as their impact on recruitment results?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the feedback on my article, Hasith. Yes, I have mentioned some businesses that have applied this DEI Strategy and it is included in the article and this was cited from "The 2023 DEI Lighthouses Report by McKinsey & Company (2023)". Please refer to this for more information given.
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ReplyDeleteI like how your exploration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy emphasizes its pivotal role in modern workplaces. Backed by statistics and real-world examples, your insights highlight the importance of setting SMART goals, creating diverse recruitment strategies, and reducing unconscious bias. By tracking recruitment diversity metrics, organizations can foster inclusive cultures, attract top talent, and ensure long-term success.
Thank you for the valuable comment, Shannon! Implementing DEI recruiting strategies are an important part of an organization, and it enables to create a diverse and inclusive workforce which can be beneficial for the company in the long run.
DeleteLittle bit complex Topic, but well explained indicating the importance of Diversity, Equity and inclusion strategy in line giving literatures and relevant supporting. As McGregor indicates Diversity through X and Y theories explaining different attitudes of the same work force, it is very much important to understand the Gravity of this Strategy in order to have an uppermost outcome.
ReplyDeleteYour valuable insights are much appreciated! Thank you.
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