Bringing together a diverse group of employees results in great talent, experience and new energy. Diverse workforces accomplish more due to a wider variety of perspectives, ideas and individual experiences. A study from ThisWay Global found that 86 percent of millennial females and 74 percent of males consider employers’ policies on diversity, equality and inclusion when deciding which company to work for, giving even greater incentive to create a diverse culture that top workers want to join. Below are the top factors to consider when incorporating a focus on diversity into your culture.
Diversity in Branding
Whether your organization’s diversity initiatives are focused on diversity of thought, work styles, backgrounds, gender, nationality, or identity, celebrate and showcase this commitment internally and externally. Incorporate this commitment in recruitment marketing initiatives, internal communication, company values and the interview process. Ensure that this commitment is understood and celebrated throughout the culture.
Diversity in Retention
Provide benefits and perks that reinforce your organization’s diversity commitment. Whether you provide flexible schedules, on-site childcare or accommodate cultural and religious holidays, these benefits support the different lifestyles that contribute to a diverse workforce. Send out quarterly company-wide surveys to make sure you are delivering the benefits that matter most to employees, and to rethink the perks that don’t matter as much.
Diversity of Thought
Diversity of thought will improve your company’s overall products, processes and leadership. Hire candidates from a variety of different educational backgrounds, industries and company sizes to leverage these differences in thoughts and perspectives. Hire those who will challenge current practices, and help existing employees expand how they approach different projects.
Diversity of Work Styles
Respect individual employee’s preferences in work styles. While holding every employee responsible for reaching deadlines, goals and communication standards, provide the flexibility for them to execute their jobs in the ways most efficient to them. Whether that is stand-up desks, private work spaces, meeting areas or a flexible remote work policy, be understanding that employees work styles differ; some prefer quiet areas, others prefer constant collaboration and some employees’ best work happens during off hours.
Diversity in Civic Engagement
Promote civic engagement and volunteerism, through company-sponsored initiatives that contribute to different causes. Select these organizations based on the causes most important to your employees. Highlight these efforts on your careers site and social media pages to further demonstrate your organization’s commitment.
Are you looking to incorporate a focus on diversity in your culture? Find out how talent relationship management (TRM) software can help manage diversity-driven talent acquisition efforts.
