The importance of DEI in the workplace
Providing work opportunities to candidates from diverse backgrounds is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage for companies. Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives ensures a variety of perspectives, fostering innovation and creativity. Companies that prioritize DEI efforts are better positioned to understand and serve a diverse customer base, enhancing their market competitiveness. Moreover, promoting DEI career opportunities, like recruiting qualified early-career candidates, helps build a more inclusive workplace culture, which can improve employee satisfaction and retention.
By fostering an inclusive environment, companies can not only enhance their talent pool but also drive innovation, productivity, and community well-being. Let’s delve into how to hire diverse employees and understand some of the essential diversity recruiting strategies for crafting inclusive job descriptions, understand why diversity and inclusion in recruitment is critical, and explore the broader benefits of hiring diverse candidates.
1. Use Inclusive Language
Avoid gender-coded words and phrases. Instead of saying “he must be,” use “you must be” or “they must be.” This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in attracting a diverse range of applicants.
Job descriptions should be free from language that unconsciously biases the reader. Words like “aggressive” or “dominant” can deter female candidates, while phrases like “nurturing” might discourage male applicants. Inclusive language is neutral and welcoming to all.
A 2018 survey by The Muse found that 55% of respondents consider job descriptions to be among the most helpful things when deciding if a company is a good fit for them.1
2. Highlight Your Commitment to DEI
Clearly state your company’s commitment to DEI in the job description. This can include mentioning any DEI initiatives, training programs, or employee resource groups that support a diverse workforce.
When candidates see that your company is committed to DEI, they are more likely to apply. Showcase your initiatives, share success stories of diverse employees, and emphasize how DEI is integral to your company culture.
According to Pew Research Center, 56% of U.S. workers believe that focusing on DEI at work is a good thing.2
3. Focus on Essential Skills
Avoid listing an extensive list of requirements. Focus on the skills truly necessary for the job. This can help prevent discouraging candidates who might feel they don’t meet every single criterion.
A long list of requirements can be daunting, especially for women and minority candidates who often feel they need to meet 100% of the criteria before applying. Prioritize must-have skills and qualifications to ensure you’re not missing out on talented individuals who might bring unique perspectives to the table.
A study by Yello found that 64% of respondents said a potential employer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion would be an important factor in their decision to accept an offer of employment.3
4. Be Transparent About Pay
Include the pay range for the position in the job description. This can help attract candidates who might otherwise be deterred by the lack of transparency.
Transparency in pay not only builds trust but also helps in closing the gender and racial pay gaps. By being upfront about pay, you signal to potential candidates that your company values fairness and equity.
According to Glassdoor, 80% of job seekers aged 18-34 consider a company’s commitment to DEI as very or somewhat crucial when looking for a new job.4
5. Encourage Diverse Applicants
Actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Use phrases like “We encourage applications from all backgrounds” or “We are committed to building a diverse team.”
Encouraging diverse applicants shows your commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. It’s important to make it clear that all candidates are welcome and that diversity is not just a buzzword but a core value of your company.
McKinsey reports that diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors.5
The Benefits of Hiring DEI Candidates
Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions and better decision-making.
- Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Diverse teams bring different perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more creative solutions and innovative ideas. When people from varied backgrounds collaborate, they can think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
- Better Problem-Solving: A study by Harvard Business Review found that teams with a diverse range of perspectives outperform more homogeneous teams in solving complex problems. This diversity in thinking helps in identifying potential pitfalls and coming up with more comprehensive solutions.
- Improved Employee Performance: Employees who feel valued and included are more likely to be engaged and productive. A study by Deloitte found that inclusive companies are twice as likely to meet or exceed their financial targets.
- Positive Impact on the Community: Companies that prioritize DEI often extend their influence beyond their workforce. By engaging in community outreach and supporting diverse suppliers, these companies contribute to the overall well-being and growth of the communities they operate in.
Research by McKinsey shows that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 21% more likely to outperform their national industry peers on profitability.6
Conclusion
Writing an inclusive job description is more than just a good practice—it’s a step towards building a more equitable and successful workplace. By focusing on DEI and DEI hiring best practices, companies can attract a wider range of talent and foster a more innovative and productive environment. Moreover, the benefits of hiring diverse candidates extend beyond the workplace, positively impacting the community and various professional industries.
Embracing DEI is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage. By creating inclusive job descriptions and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, companies can ensure they are not only attracting the best talent but also setting themselves up for long-term success.
Ready to put these tips into action? Start by reviewing your current job descriptions and identify areas where you can make them more inclusive. Your future diverse and dynamic workforce is just one well-crafted job description away.
Happy hiring!
Sources