In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz around diversity and Inclusion jobs. Also known as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), it has become exceedingly important for companies to hire candidates from diverse backgrounds to promote healthy workplace culture and equal opportunities for underrepresented groups. With the increasing awareness of the Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements, the corporate world has experienced an uptick in companies ramping up their DEI initiatives to foster inclusivity. Many big tech and FAANG companies have also put DEI at the forefront through their diverse hiring practices.
According to ZipRecruiter, over 86% of job seekers say workplace diversity is important when looking for a job. Before we go ahead and discuss the top 4 reasons why job seekers should join companies that hire for diversity and Inclusion, let us first understand what DEI in the workplace stands for.
What are Diversity and Inclusion?
Diversity in the workplace can look different for different companies. A team is said to be diverse when it reflects the society in which it exists. Diversity can be defined based on various criteria like gender, race, age, colour, educational background, and more.
On the other hand, Inclusion refers to the access to opportunities for each member of the company. An inclusive workplace provides all of its employee’s equal opportunities to contribute to the company’s success through fair and respectful treatment.
Diversity and inclusion in workplaces are more than just initiatives listed on a piece of paper or a company website. They must be ingrained in the way a company functions. A few ways job seekers can find out whether a company fosters diversity and inclusion could be by speaking to employees who already work there, taking a look at the company website for data revealing information on their diversity and inclusion efforts, and reports that show the progress the company has made in terms of DEI over the past few years.
Top 4 reasons to join Companies that Foster Diversity and Inclusion
For job seekers, diversity and Inclusion are more than just words. They are a trait to look out for in the companies you apply to. An equitable and inclusive workplace can improve the quality of the work you do, the people you interact with and accelerate your progress in several unimaginable ways.
If you are a job seeker applying to companies, here are four reasons you should check whether your company supports DEI in their workplaces.
1. Opportunities to work with peers from different backgrounds.
Diverse teams allow employees to work with people from different educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds. Companies where diversity and Inclusion aren’t afterthoughts generally bring together candidates from diverse backgrounds that help strengthen teams resulting in smarter decisions and more significant impact. As a job seeker, this means you get to work with people that you otherwise maybe wouldn’t have met and build strong connections.
2. Increased productivity, creativity, and innovation.
Companies with diverse hiring practices attract candidates from different backgrounds and cultures, bringing a unique skill set, perceptions, and creativity to the table. Working in a diverse team will allow you to learn from your peers and their experiences, thinking beyond conventional thought patterns and perceptions. These opportunities can significantly increase your productivity, creativity, and innovation. Not only does it benefit the success of your work, but it also allows you to gain transferable skills that might be helpful in different aspects of your life.
3. Inclusive cultures provide you with opportunities to learn while you work.
A major benefit of an inclusive workplace is you get plenty of learning opportunities while you work. Inclusive workplaces empower their employees to be the best at what they do. They focus on providing chances to upskill yourself and explore areas you think you can excel in. Inclusive companies believe they can grow only when their employees are empowered, creating a progressive workplace culture.
4. Be a part of teams that are the best at what they do.
DEI hiring practices increase the number of candidates willing to work at the company. As a result, diverse companies have access to a global talent pool. Diverse and inclusive teams often perform better than other teams. Since employees have a high level of job satisfaction and a sense of belonging, they tend to go above and beyond to ensure they’re delivering the best results. A Gartner survey suggests that 83% of employees are actively engaged when they know their employers promote DEI initiatives. There’s nothing more fulfilling as a professional than working with the people who are the best at what they do.
Diversity and Inclusion are more than just one-time initiatives; they are ongoing. As a professional, it is essential to realize the need to give back to society by promoting equality, diversity, and even access to opportunities. As a job seeker, look out for companies with diversity and inclusion deeply rooted in their workplaces.
