Workplace culture has changed significantly over time, with an increased flexibility that expands inclusion to job seekers who may have been overlooked for roles. To leverage changes, it is important to increase the talent search scope and utilize developing technology to remove biases, create consistencies in the hiring process, and discover talent you might not have recognized before through older ways of networking. Technology has made the ability to connect easier, however, it is important to be mindful that a human approach will always be needed as certain biases can arise when relying solely on technology, particularly as the use of AI grows.
Workplace Changes Lend More Flexibility to Diversity and Inclusion
As the workplace culture changes, so do diversity and inclusion goals. Prioritizing these goals makes a huge impact on creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported.
At Prosum, we place a high priority on implementing processes and procedures where DEI is part of our core operation. By implementing training in areas such as unconscious bias and inclusive language we are more mindful of our actions and attitudes which cultivate an encouraging work environment.
One of the most prominent workplace changes we’ve noticed that affects diversity and inclusion is the shift towards remote work.
For example, In a paper recently accepted for publication in Management Science, thousands of technical and managerial jobs that were posted before, during, and after the peak of COVID-19 were analyzed. When those same jobs moved from in-person to remote, the results showed a 15% increase in female applicants, a 33% increase in underrepresented minority applicants, and a 17% increase in total applicant experience. These results show that organizations can garner a more diverse pool of job applicants when remote work is an option.
Why Does Remote Work Boost Diversity Recruitment?
The same researchers who found a correlation between a more diverse pool of applicants when remote work is offered, also found from previous studies three reasons why this may be the case:
- Remote work offers “time flexibility” especially for women who assume larger responsibility of child and family care. It also removes the time spent on a commute to and from the office, leaving more time for home life.
- “Location flexibility” offered by remote work provides broader job opportunities to women and underrepresented minorities who may not have the resources or availability to live in or travel to a certain city or state.
- Lastly, remote work limits face-to-face interaction, which for some women and minority team members allows them to remove themselves from what can be a discriminatory work environment. Researchers noted, however, that less face-to-face interaction can limit opportunities for promotions, feedback, and assignments due to the lack of interpersonal connections and skills that are made in the office. This supports the current trend towards more hybrid work environments with a greater balance of in- and out-of-office work schedules.
How Does Developing Technology Contribute to Increased Diversity in Recruitment?
Technology such as artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool in employee recruitment and retention, especially useful for making significant “insights and connections.” Experts say by focusing on skills and abilities required for the job, AI has the potential to reduce bias in the workplace, therefore diversifying the pool of applicants.
Recruiters often get thousands of applications at a time, making it difficult to identify candidates that match the skills required for the position quickly. AI can be used to help maximize efficiency and productivity when searching for potential job candidates and facilitate faster hiring decisions by saving time and money. AI can also automate administrative tasks, write job descriptions, generate interview questions, and pre-screen applicants. By automating some tasks, recruiters can spend more time focusing on top potential candidates and how they can add a unique viewpoint to their business.
A Human Approach in Recruiting Is Still Needed
Although artificial intelligence is incredibly useful for the automation of tasks, it is important to remember that a human approach to recruitment is essential for a successful hire. As powerful as AI can be, there is potential for AI to perpetuate bias, therefore it is essential that recruiters are watchful and keep a human eye on everything. Direct communication with candidates should be dealt with by human hands and diversity and inclusion should be a priority in prompts to show alignment with company values.
Leading by Example in DEI
At Prosum, we value building a diverse team. There are many benefits to building a diverse team, including increased applications, stronger employer branding, and increased awareness. Prosum was founded on diversity, where 64% of our supervisory roles are female and both Co-CEOs are members of minority communities. Actions such as promoting women, engaging with underrepresented communities, and providing ongoing learning and education are the most prominent ways we embody diversity here at Prosum.
Diversity and inclusion goals continue to change as workplace culture evolves. To keep up with these shifts, we must stay informed on developing technology and how it can help remove bias, discover new talent, and increase diversity. Remote work and flexibility in the workplace are one of the leading ways to increase the number of diverse applicants. In addition to this, AI in the workplace is being incorporated as a tool to develop a better environment for people to find and start new jobs, ultimately leading to a workplace culturethat supports and welcomes everyone.
