At HireEducation, we believe that diversity is not just about numbers; it’s about creating an equitable and inclusive society by connecting organizations with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.
We prioritize building diverse teams because we know it fosters innovation, creativity, and a more representative workforce.
Defining DEI+
We have seen many affirming variations on this acronym (adding B for belonging, or A for accessibility or access), so we use DEI+ to encompass all the variations that our clients use.
Before embarking on your DEI+ journey, it’s important to define what DEI means to your organization. We encourage open conversations among team members to establish shared definitions, but these can be a starting point:
- Diversity: Representation from a range of human characteristics, addressing historical disparities.
- Equity: Ensuring equal access to opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential.
- Inclusion: Creating an environment where all voices are valued and everyone feels safe to be themselves.
Facilitating these conversations to establish a common understanding of DEI is the foundation for increasing diversity and belonging at work.
Best Practices in Diverse Hiring
Our approach to diverse hiring includes:
- Diverse Sourcing Techniques: Utilizing networking within diverse professional organizations, targeting diverse geographic regions, and prioritizing skills aligned with your ideal candidate’s attributes.
- Research and Learning: We stay informed about industry best practices and encourage clients to explore DEI content regularly to enrich leadership discussions.
- Building Diverse Hiring Teams: Assembling diverse hiring teams broadens perspectives and enhances hiring practices.
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring adherence to legal requirements regarding inclusion targets.
- Consulting Support: Engaging DEI consultants for comprehensive HR reviews and implementing formal diversity programs.
- Equity Audits: We partner with industry experts to bring our clients tailored support, such as equity audits, to promote successful and inclusive workplaces.
Engage in Uncomfortable Conversations
True diversity requires addressing uncomfortable truths and challenging biases. We guide organizations through reflective listening exercises and tough conversations to foster genuine commitment to DEI.
“Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things.” – Dr. Brené Brown
Consequently, when we work with organizations that lack the skills to have these tough conversations, they also tend to struggle with a desire to engage in illegal, discriminatory practices, such as only interviewing one type of candidate based on a protected class.
Measure and Improve
We emphasize continuous improvement by measuring inclusivity and soliciting feedback from diverse team members. We help clients create inclusive cultures where every employee feels valued and equal.
HireEducation is here for your search needs which can include helping you create successful, inclusive workplaces. We are happy to set you up with a professional who can provide you with an equity audit of your selection process or other DEI-specific support.
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