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What is your Diversity Recruitment Strategy

diversity recruitment strategy

A diversity recruitment strategy aims to attract, hire, and retain a diverse workforce from diverse backgrounds and with a range of experiences and perspectives. It can help build a more inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Diversity recruitment strategies include reaching out to underrepresented groups, modifying job descriptions using neutral and acceptable language terms, and changing the selection criteria to reduce bias. You may even have to provide training to hiring managers to eliminate the unconscious bias they may have.

But, why is a diversity recruitment strategy essential?

Here are some pointers for you.

To attract top talent

Companies that are inclusive are often seen as more attractive to job seekers from diverse backgrounds.

To improve the work culture

It leads to better creativity, innovation, and improved problem-solving skills. It helps attract and retain quality talent. It also helps in increasing employee productivity.

To address hiring bias

A company with a diverse workforce would be less prone to unconscious bias in hiring decisions.

To reflect the customer base

A diverse workforce can help better reflect and serve a diverse customer base.

Legal compliance

In many places, the law requires hiring practices to be non-discriminatory.

A diversity recruitment strategy can help create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace. This has been known to affect business outcomes positively by creating a better working environment.

Need help with your overall recruitment strategy. Here are our Top 4 methods

But how do you go about designing a diversity recruitment strategy?

An effective diversity recruitment strategy involves several key elements:

Understanding diversity

The decision-makers, department heads, and even the executives must clearly understand what diversity means. This can be inculcated in them using different training, webinars, and other tools.

Determining diversity goals

It is vital to set pre-defined goals which are specific, measurable, and achievable. Setting these goals and revisiting them can help gauge the effectiveness and guide your recruitment efforts.

Sourcing from a wide range of sources

Do not rely only on job sites to source talent. Instead, utilize various sourcing tools & methods, including job fairs, professional organizations, employee referrals, and even social media to reach out to and engage with a diverse pool of candidates.

Assessing bias in the recruitment process

Despite your efforts, bias is likely to creep in. Hence, reviewing your recruitment processes and the tool used regularly is essential to ensure they are free from bias and do not perpetuate systemic inequalities.

Providing inclusive interview experiences

It is not only about the workplace; ensure the entire process is diversity-friendly. This starts with the interview. For example, you can ensure that the venue is accessible for people with disabilities and offer them accommodation if needed.

Ensuring equal pay and benefits

Equal pay is vital to ensuring your strategy is a success. You must provide fair and equal compensation and benefits to all employees, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics.

Encouraging employee engagement

Organise and encourage employees to participate in diversity and inclusion initiatives. It can help educate and engage them and create a more inclusive work environment for all employees.

Shortlyst’s recruitment software gives you access to a 650Mn+ diversity-friendly database from publicly available candidate profiles. It can assist you in creating a successful diversity recruitment strategy. Reach out to our team to learn more about this.

Written by

Shortlyst Team

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