Diversity is an increasingly salient topic in the world today. As our societies become more welcoming and inclusive and as consumers become more attuned to issues of tolerance and social justice, it’s extremely important that businesses promote diversity in the workplace and among their staff.
Whether it’s women in technology roles or LGBTQ+ people in the sports industry, diversity is all about breaking down long-standing barriers that stand in the way of people realising their true potential. We’ve put together a guide with some top tips to help you improve the diversity of your workforce. Read on to check it out.
Foster a Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere
Wanting to improve your workforce diversity is one thing, successfully doing so is another. It’s all well and good opening your doors to candidates from marginalized communities, but you have to make the effort to ensure your company is a welcoming and inclusive place to be if you want to truly diversify your workforce.
People from marginalized and underrepresented groups can often be the victim of discrimination and differential treatment. This can result in them being less willing to apply for jobs in industries they feel unwelcome. As a business owner, it is your duty to ensure that your company is open to anyone and everyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.
One of the most effective ways of fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace atmosphere is by providing diversity training for all of your existing staff. Absolutely everyone should be included, from the interns all the way up to senior management, and attendance should be mandatory.
Post on Jobs Boards for Diverse Candidates
When advertising a vacancy or a new position, it can be easy to simply focus on the major job boards and career portals. These are often the most used and the most likely to generate lots of applications.
However, these mainstream job boards are often unfairly representative, and using only these platforms to find new staff is not an effective way to successfully diversify your workforce.
Instead, branch out and advertise job listings on boards that cater more for marginalized and underrepresented groups and communities. Not only will this see you attract more diverse applications, but it will also demonstrate your company’s willingness to promote diversity, which should encourage even more applicants in the future.
Promote Diversity on Social Media Channels and in Marketing Material
If you want to diversify your workforce, promoting ideas of diversity and inclusivity on social channels and in marketing material can be an excellent approach. This will let the world know how much your business values diversity and will demonstrate your commitment to offering equal opportunities for all.
This will make diverse members of your team feel more appreciated and should encourage increased interest from diverse candidates and applicants.
The Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace
Now we know how to improve the diversity of your workforce, what kind of benefits can it actually offer your business?
Studies have shown that businesses with diverse teams perform better. Data collected from Deloitte revealed that successful businesses are more likely to have diversity policies in place.
Furthermore, consumers today value diversity, with Gen Z in particular demonstrating a preference towards inclusive brands. If you want to target these younger demographics, having a diverse workforce is absolutely critical, and you must take steps to promote diversity through your business practices and your marketing campaigns.
Conclusion
Diversity is more important than ever. If you want your business to be successful in the long term, you must take steps to diversify your workforce and foster a more welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.