Do You Keep Diversity Top of Mind While on the Job Hunt? Here’s Why You Should.

Something most people have in common is the job hunt grind. At one point or another, you’ve probably spent weeks (or months) preparing for interviews, culling through hundreds of job openings and making first impressions count. But one thing that’s becoming increasingly popular is how much candidates value an inclusive employer. In fact, according to a 2020 Glassdoor survey, 76 percent of job seekers said a diverse workplace was an important factor when considering a job opportunity.  

 The last thing any job seeker wants is to accept an offer from a company that doesn’t align with their values. But the real question is, how do you know what a diverse and inclusive workplace looks like? Of course, everyone has a different perception of what this is. So, it’s essential to be aware of the signs that a company is diverse and genuinely values its employees. 

 In this post, we’ll cover a few key things you should be looking for on your job hunt to ensure your future place of employment has a seat for everyone at the table. 

What Does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mean?  

First things first—what exactly is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)? DE&I has become a buzzword for many companies in the past decade, so it can be hard to decipher what it actually means. But, in general terms, DE&I is a framework that strives to create an inclusive environment that promotes fair treatment for all people. And while it’s most commonly associated with companies looking to recruit a diverse workforce and build an inclusive culture, it can also be a way to better serve a business’s customers by having more of their audience represented at the table.

Let’s dig in a little deeper by defining each element of DE&I. 

Diversity 

Diversity is the most widely recognized aspect of DE&I. It’s defined as a fair representation of people with diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences. In the workplace, this may mean differences in race, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and socioeconomic background.

Equity 

Equity is the fair distribution of resources, opportunities and benefits to all employees, regardless of their background. This includes equal pay, access to opportunities and representation in leadership roles. 

Inclusion 

Inclusion is the practice of ensuring everyone feels accepted for who they are. It’s about building an environment that makes employees feel comfortable and supported enough to be their authentic selves. This means creating an environment that doesn’t just tolerate differences but celebrates them. 

Why DE&I is Important  

As an employee, it’s important to know if you’ll be a valued member of an organization. However, it’s also just as important to know that your employer values each of your peers and the unique ideas, experiences and perspectives they bring.  

A diverse and inclusive workplace often drives better business results, increases productivity and, most importantly, makes you feel like you belong. Unfortunately, many professionals face a common hurdle in their careers: isolation. In fact, according to a recent EY survey, 40% of people feel isolated at work. On the flip side, organizations that focus on being a diverse and inclusive workplace often have more employees who feel engaged and excited about their work. 

Tips for Finding Companies that Value DE&I  

As we mentioned earlier, the job hunt is a grind. So before going through the hoops of the hiring process, ensure the places you’re applying to match your values. Here are a few ways to know if a company is truly diverse, equitable and inclusive. 

• Read the job description—be on the lookout for vague verbiage, extravagant requirements, gendered language and lifestyle-specific benefits (e.g., weekly happy hours). 
• Do your due diligence—research the company in question. Does their website showcase any statements, values or groups focusing on DE&I? What do Glassdoor reviews say about them as an employer? Do their social media accounts support different communities? 
• Reach out to current or former employees—ask to interview someone in a similar role you’re vying for or send them a message on LinkedIn asking about their experience with said company. 
• Ask the right questions during an interview—don’t forget you’re also interviewing them! If you aren’t sure, ask them about their diversity initiatives and values. Depending on how well thought out their answers are should give you a good idea of how crucial it is to their organization. 
• Take a long, hard look at their benefits—are they inclusive of all employees? This can include perks like floating holidays, maternity and paternity leave, flexible work schedules, child/senior care and mental health initiatives. 

Find the Right Job (and Workplace) for You  

It’s easy to get caught up in a job hunt. But the best way to make sure your future workplace values your authentic self is to do your research and ask the hard-hitting questions upfront. The good news is: you’re not alone.  

At RHM Staffing, we believe in finding the right fit for you, and that’s why we’re here to help you find a job that fits your lifestyle and shares similar values.

Contact us today to see how we can help you land the job you deserve.