Many companies promote their support for diversity and inclusion, saying that they broadcast their desire to hire people from all backgrounds. This is something that has become a priority for many people when looking for work. However, how can you make sure that an employer takes their diversity and inclusion initiatives seriously?
Companies value diversity and inclusion as it’s important to their potential employees. In fact, employers are getting that people value diversity and inclusion and are now stepping up to the plate. Most people want to work for a company that offers an inclusive workplace, but it can be difficult to determine if an employer is truly inclusive.
Here are some effective ways to determine if an employer is honest about their diversity and inclusion initiatives.
1. Look at the company’s employees
Finding out who’s on the leadership team at the company can provide with important information as to whether the company is inclusive or not. This information can often be found on the company’s website, but you can also search for it online, including on LinkedIn.
However, not all diversity is visible to the eye, so observe the company’s environment, as it may give some sense of how diverse the company actually is. Of course, an indicator that the company is inclusive is the presense of people with Are the employees different cultures, genders, and ages.
2. What are the company’s core values
If the company has a mission statement or core values, take a look at them to see if they mention diversity or inclusion as its priorities. A key indicator of the company being truly diverese would be the presence of a person in the HR department whose title relates to diversity, such as a Chief Diversity Officer.
In addition, transparency about diversity is also very important. If the company is transparent about their diversity program, it’s a good sign they take it seriously and are taking steps to improve. On the other hand, if a company seems guarded when you discuss diversity or inclusiveness, it could be a sign to treat with caution.
3. Ask questions during the interview
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them, try finding more about diversity. Ask about their diversity initiatives, parental benefits, flexible work policies, as well as other topics that relate to inclusiveness. Some key questions that someone could ask, are the following:
- Diversity is listed in the company’s values. Are there any examples of how you promote it?
- How is diversity shown to be an important value at this company?
- Does the company offer training on diversity, equity, and inclusion?
- What does the company do to ensure inclusion?
- Could you tell me about the benefits the company offers?
Moreover, upon entering the company, some indicators of inclusivity could be visible if the company makes an effort to make you feel welcome. Did you feel a sense of belonging from the start of your interview? Did the company take steps to make you feel comfortable? If the interviewer indeed makes you feel comfortable when you first meet them, can say a lot about their company culture.
4. Training and development is offered
It is common knowledge that there is always room for improvement. The fact is that truly inclusive employers have a deep understanding that learning is a never-ending process. On the other hand, employers who think they know everything are often the most stubborn and closed-minded.
Nevertheless, professional development opportunities can help any employee sharpen their skills and bring value to the employer. For this reason, as said above, job seekers should ask about what programs the company has in place to improve inclusivity. For this reason, training and development is important to add new skills.
5. Happy and engaged employers
The way employees feel inside their workplace say a lot about the company’s culture. Try and check the following:
- Do employees seem to be happy to be at work?
- Does it look like they genuinely like their job and enjoy coming into work?
- Is the company involved in any volunteering or outreach programs?
These type of initiatives can provide clear indications that companies are proactive about inclusivity and diversity.
6. Teamwork and collaboration are promoted
Many employers are highly competitive, hierarchical, and take an us-versus-them approach. In fact, there are many leaders that have an ‘I’m the boss’ approach to work, expecting employees to fall in line. That is a huge red flag.
On the other hand, diverse and inclusive companies do not work with this outdated approach, in order to managing employees. These kind of leaders, place emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, as they use them as tools to build a stronger workplace.
7. Less talk more action
Companies can brag as much as they want about diversity and inclusiveness. However, what makes the difference is how they operate, and not what they claim to be.
It’s the things they do on a day-to-day basis that will tell you if they are serious. Does the company practice what they preach? Does building an inclusive environment seem like more than just lip service and something they actually care about?
Diversity and inclusiveness are nowadays extremely important components than any company that claims to have a strong and healthy culture, should always have. For this reason, every job seeker and employee should take them into account when going through the hiring process. This will enable them to better assess if the company is a place they would truly like to work.
A great insights to the industry is stated here with some items we take for granted about inclusion from our employers. Basically Employers will brag’ about themselves and this should be taken with a grain of salt.