How can companies ensure inclusive hiring and promotion?

Inclusive hiring is the process of recognizing, valuing, and recruiting people with different origins and perspectives. The purpose is to look beyond gender, age, culture, religion, ethnicity, and race. So why should your organization invest in inclusivity? The answer to this question is very simple — it results in better profits, newer perspectives leading to innovations, and informed decision-making.

For HR leaders, it is very crucial to practice inclusivity in the workplace. This need stems from the fact that they are in direct contact with the prospective candidates who are responsible for recruitment. They need to be respectful and appreciative of candidates’ differences.

In this blog post, we will explore what are the ways in which your organization can ensure inclusive hiring and promotion. 

 Ensure Inclusive Hiring and Promotion in your Organization

Why do you need inclusive hiring?

Inclusivity is a stepping-stone to success. Organizations all around the world are aiming to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. To achieve diversity and equity, the first step is to practice inclusivity. Empowered employees are more prone to benefit an organization. 

Also Read: Why is DEI a business imperative?

What is the impact of inclusive hiring and promotion?

Organizations that practice inclusivity are more likely to outperform their competition. Some of the implications of inclusive hiring include diverse market reach, the reputation of the organization, and employee retention. Let’s look into them in a little detail:

1. Diverse market reach

Diverse teams from different backgrounds bring a varied pool of experiences and cultures. This increases the likelihood of an organization reaching more people and catering to their needs thereby expanding its customer base. 

2. Reputation of the company

Inclusivity in the workplace environment enhances the brand image. Organizations that are open to putting together an inclusive team are considered more socially responsible. Even new prospective hires are more prone to be attracted to such organizations. 

3. Employee retention

When an organization practices inclusivity in its true sense, it is more likely to retain its employees. In an inclusive environment, an employee feels valued and appreciated. This belongingness brings out the more efficient and creative side of the employees. 

Also Read: The A to Z of inclusive language in the workplace

Ways to ensure inclusive hiring and promotion

In the inclusive hiring processes, organizations should make sure to consider different values, experiences, and opinions. However, it is easier said than done. Organizations are unable to focus on inclusivity which can be due to a lack of resources or limited finances or the absence of involvement of key stakeholders. These issues can be decoded by your organization if you implement these six simple steps:

1. Ensuring fair hiring practices

Each candidate should have an equal opportunity to be a part of the hiring process. The process should be free from any kind of discrimination. It also means overcoming unconscious bias, one’s own prejudices, and unlearning stereotypes. Fair hiring practices will lead to a more diverse workforce which in turn will benefit the organization. 

2. Inclusive job descriptions

The language used in a job description plays a huge role in attracting candidature. It should be simple and easy to understand. Gender-neutral terms should be used in the description. The main focus should be put on the job role and the skills required.

3. Organization’s definition of inclusivity

Inclusivity is not just in hiring, it is much broader than this. An organization needs to inculcate inclusivity in its policy. It is critical to also update these policies on the company website. However, it is also necessary that these policies do not remain on paper and are actually put into action.

4. Diverse recruitment team

This process is more likely to reduce bias and help see candidates from an overall perspective in your organization. Diversity within the team will bring a well-rounded view of the candidates. This will help the team to recognize the most suitable candidate for the organization. 

5. Fair evaluation and assessment

Evaluation and assessment should be standardized for all candidates. Questions to be asked in the interview, the assessment method, and the scoring system of each candidate should be decided before the interview. Preparing beforehand for the hiring and promotion process is very crucial as it will help in focussing on the main purpose which is the candidate’s skills and knowledge. 

6. Inclusive hiring and promotion training for recruitment teams

One of the most difficult parts of practicing fairness is to overcome one’s own biases. It is very important for you to organize regular training sessions for the recruiters. This will help them in inculcating inclusivity in the hiring as well as promotion process which will benefit the organization. 

Ensure Inclusive Hiring and Promotion in your Organization

Conclusion

We live in a multicultural world where cultures have transgressed boundaries and for that reason the only way to successfully connect with your audiences, and customers is by fully understanding their world. That is the sole purpose of why companies like yours should practice Inclusive hiring. Inclusivity is the answer to the sustainable growth of organizations. 

How can Ungender help you?

We understand that implementing inclusivity in the hiring and promotion processes at the workplace can be complicated. At Ungender, our Inclusivity experts customize solutions such as inclusive hiring policies, practices, and training programs to your needs and support you in developing and implementing relevant strategies. We provide training, education, and ongoing guidance to ensure that your organization embraces diversity, fosters inclusion, and reaps the numerous benefits that DEI brings. To make inclusive hiring and promotion an integral part of building your team, get in touch with us. 

FAQs

1. What does inclusive hiring mean?

Inclusive hiring is a process of recognizing, valuing, and recruiting people with different origins and perspectives.

2. What does inclusive mean in HR?

Inclusive in HR means a work environment where employees feel valued and respected and have access to equal opportunities. 

3. How do you promote inclusive hiring?

A diverse recruitment team, inclusive job description, inclusive training, and fair evaluation and assessment are a few ways in which inclusive hiring can be promoted 

4. What are the benefits of an inclusive workplace?

The benefits of inclusivity is not one but several including goodwill of the organization, diverse market reach, and employee retention. 

5. What does an inclusive interview mean? 

Where an interviewer is mindful of the language he is using. Also, the assessment criteria are fair for all.

 Written by: Aarshi Katiyar