Having a diverse workforce gives your business greater breadth and width of talent, life experience, and knowledge. It also demonstrates your company’s commitment to embracing diversity and ensuring your workforce is reflective of the communities you serve. Mike McRitchie explains that one way to help you cultivate a multifaceted staff is to change the way you recruit and hire candidates.
Write Detailed Job Descriptions
While it’s always a good business practice to craft individual job descriptions that outline position requirements, skills, and responsibilities, according to the Development Guild, you can also use the description to promote diversity in hiring. For example, inclusive language can open the door to a wider range of prospects. Focus on character and personality traits as well as experience levels and education; include a corporate statement that notes a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in hiring; and make a notation in which you directly state that you do not discriminate on the basis of age, sexual orientation or identity, race, or religious affiliation.
Conduct Targeted Outreach
If you’re committed to hiring a diverse workforce, conduct direct outreach. For example, when you have a job opening, send the listing and the job description to organizations that represent various demographics. For example, you might reach out to local senior centers or your community’s branch of the Veterans Administration to let them know you’re hiring. A direct appeal will signal that you’re proactively looking to hire from a diverse pool of applicants.
According to Tech Funnel, you can also encourage your existing staff to aid in the effort by forwarding job postings to others in their networks who may be good candidates. One way to have a diverse pool of workers is to consider hiring seniors for part-time jobs in your company, such as customer service reps, event workers, or delivery drivers. Many individuals need a way to supplement their retirement income, and they have years of experience that will be valuable to your company.
Hire Locally From Job Boards
While it might be easier to use a national job search registry when you need to hire, working on a local basis gives you more control over reviewing and selecting hires on an individual basis rather than an algorithm. You’ll also be supporting the local economy, and in the case of hiring freelancers, you can ensure you’re narrowing your focus and hiring the most well-qualified people for various projects. In addition, hiring locally through a recruiting agency means you can meet prospects in person, and even have them work on-site as needed.
Offer In-House Training
You can create more diversity in the workplace by being open to training people who might not have the skill sets you need, like those who are coming out of retirement, have been out of the workforce awhile, or who might be transitioning from a military career. This could include training on software applications, project management apps, or specialized equipment. This can also be done via mentoring, job shadowing, and on-the-job training. Not only will you be providing professional development opportunities, you’ll likely gain loyalty and longevity of employment.
Make Your Workplace More Accessible
Make sure your workplace is fully compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. This might include having accessible workspaces, common areas, and restroom facilities. Be open to making special accommodations for employees based on need. For example, differently-abled workers might need assistance in the form of voice-activated equipment, magnifying features, or other special needs devices. Also, look for ways to make the workspace friendly to service and emotional support animals.
Having a workforce that’s composed of people from all walks of life, all ability levels, and all ages, races, and backgrounds can give you an exceptional advantage. Not only will you be viewed as a shining example of diversity in a professional setting, you’ll also demonstrate to customers your efforts to hire staff members representative of your diverse clientele. People appreciate seeing themselves reflected in business and commercial settings, and you could very well boost your existing business through these efforts.
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Mike McRitchie helps achievers who are feeling stuck uncover and share their accomplishments so they can move to the next level in their business or career, whether you need help recrafting your résumé or LinkedIn profile, or job search guidance. Reach out for more info today! 425-760-9835
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