The steps to take to ensure your workplace is diverse

It’s an unfortunate world that we live in that we have to highlight issues like lack of diversity in the workplace and how to improve it. Until this changes all we can do is lead by example and do everything within our power to make it right.

It’s come to the point where we can no longer rely on just the board or HR to ensure that the office is taking the right steps forward, any member of staff should feel confident enough to speak up and take action. We have listed some starter steps that you can be an ally, begin to remove unconscious bias in hiring and encourage your team to move in the right direction.

For a more in depth dialog supporting this, you should certainly join our upcoming event on 25^th June is focusing on exactly this topic. We are holding an open discussion on Finding, Attracting, Hiring and Retaining Diverse Talent, where Talent Lead Evie-Rose Deighan will open your eyes and encourage you to be a better work place. You can find further information and how to RSVP below.

Ensure you and your team are educated and using your privilege

Many companies are still misinformed on diversity and how to achieve it. Forming strategies, update company core values and attending courses to guide leaders on taking correct steps is always a good place to start.

You may be in a privileged position where you’ve never had to worry about diversity - use your position and situation to your strength and speak for those who may not be able to get a word in.

Open doors

Once you truly understand what diversity is, as it stretches out much further than you may initially think, you can ensure your doors are opened to welcome all. It is about having a work force built from different types of people – from different races, religious beliefs, upbringings, nationalities, sexuality, genders and those with disabilities. It’s celebrating those who see a project from a completely different aspect thanks to their personal experiences and sharing knowledge from their background. But this is just the beginning.

Nurture

Ensure that the workspace is a safe and supporting space. Employees should feel safe to ask for assistance, this may be requesting time to celebrate a religious holiday or support following cultural movements. An excellent example of this recently was the #BlackLivesMatter protests where various companies encouraged employees to take some time to themselves, ensure they felt supported during this time and attend the peaceful protests if they wished.

Join our open discussion about diversity and inclusion strategies for reducing bias in recruitment processes and cultivating an inclusive culture.

Join us on 25^th June at 6:30pmBST where Talent Lead Evie-Rose Deighan will present Finding, Attracting, Hiring and Retaining Diverse Talent. You can register to attend HERE. This is a free event, open to all.