We all know that organisations who are focused on DEI attract wider talent pool. We also know businesses foster innovation by inviting diverse viewpoints, offering a wider access to a range of knowledge and experiences. What specific steps can we take at from the beginning of the potential employee’s journey that will make a difference immediately?
Target
As part of your overall DEI program, you’ll need to define DEI and assess your targets for establishing a more diverse workforce and target a recruitment pool that is reflective of diversity targets. You will need to articulate the what and more importantly the why of your goals and targets to your team. Once you have agreed your organisations targets you will need to develop a system for regularly tracking back to your plan to ensure your recruitment pool is reflective of those goals.
Design
By having a diverse group of staff members involved in the job description development and interviewing processes, you will reflect the value you place on diversity and may increase the likelihood of attracting a diverse set of candidates.
Vet job descriptions to remove bias
Job descriptions that reflect bias can inadvertently repel or screen out some of your best candidates. Start by keeping both job requirements and language choices inclusive, simple, and specific. For job requirements, only include the skills and experiences that are absolutely essential to the role. Avoid jargon, “corporate speak,” and trigger words that may be off-putting and exclusionary for some. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has compiled a list of resources that can serve as a check on language, style, and approach to help make your job descriptions as inclusive as possible.
Standardise processes and systems
By standardising interview and hiring processes, you will ensure all candidates follow the same steps and that no one is expected to jump through additional hoops. Consistency around questions, evaluation techniques, rubrics, and criteria will level out the process, giving diverse candidates an opportunity to be considered for the specific skills, knowledge, and experience they can bring to the job.
Contact us today to talk about our DEI assessment capabilities.