DIVERSITY

Diversity

Diversity for recruitment in the workplace. This is about creating a level playing field for everyone; actively seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, or religion, which is something we’ve always done. Operating more inclusive processes, removing barriers and providing equal opportunities for all, has been embraced by most clients, especially in this increasingly tightening resource market.

As an Executive Search firm, we operate an open-door policy.  We are often the gate keepers to the recruitment funnel and our role is to provide a shortlist of the best possible candidates for our clients. Our remit is to provide this purely based on skills, experience and behaviour, regardless of diversity.  We can only do that by throwing the net wide.

Most employers operate the same policy for all of their roles, but they often have an ideal person that they are looking for and don’t necessarily share that with us in detail.  Most Executive Search firms (approx. 60%) have positive strategies in place to achieve greater diversity, something that is becoming increasingly common, especially working across technology companies and for a national and international client base.

Having and offering flexibility is key to attracting and increasing diversity, providing a good ‘work life balance’ it can attract a diverse workforce, for example flexi working and home working. Using pre-hire assessment for personality, behaviour and skills.

Inclusivity is key.  It is well documented that companies that have a diverse workforce are more productive than those that don’t. People looking for jobs these days are looking for a range of things other than just salary.  It can be security, flexible working, benefits, culture, shared values, and brand. Different groups of people are typically looking for different things, so we must appeal to as many groups as possible.

Diversity is also important for retention; it benefits both the candidates and in turn it will also benefit the company. Candidates feel more comfortable applying for a job knowing that they will be treated equally, and the company will attract a bigger candidate pool. This in turn creates a healthy environment and enhances the retention rate, as well as a greater employee productivity and engagement. Diversity extends to people who speak different or multiple languages as well as those with disabilities. It promotes the company on multiple levels and makes it a choice place for people to work, providing a full range of additional benefits.

Choosing a Recruitment Partner or Executive Search Firm that embraces the same values is therefore very important to ensure that the values exist across the value chain.