Many people looking for work prioritise finding a company that actively promotes diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion in the workplace have been found to increase creativity, productivity, and job happiness. However, not every company is equally committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. If you want to work for a firm that really appreciates diversity and inclusion, you need to know how to assess prospective employers.

What's the Big Deal About Promoting Diversity and Inclusion?

It's not enough to just cross off the boxes for diversity and inclusion at work. An increasing amount of evidence shows that having a diverse and inclusive workplace is good for business. McKinsey found that businesses with the highest levels of racial and ethnic diversity had 36% higher average financial returns than businesses with lower levels of diversity. The top 25% of most profitable organisations are all in the top quartile for gender diversity.

Diversity in the workplace has been linked to increased creativity and innovation. Teams that are culturally and linguistically diverse are better able to make decisions, solve problems, and think of new ways to approach challenges. More creative goods, services, and answers may result from this variety, giving businesses an edge.

Where to Look for an Inclusive and Diverse Workplace?

Now that we've established why diversity and inclusion are so important, we can look at some strategies for finding a company that shares your beliefs.

1. Find out more about the Company's Efforts to Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Examining an organization's diversity and inclusion policy may be a quick and easy method to get a sense of how seriously they take these issues. The majority of businesses now include diversity and inclusion statements on their websites to demonstrate their dedication to these values. Look for businesses with policies that go beyond vague declarations and instead include concrete objectives and procedures. In addition, several businesses report once a year on their efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

2. Verify the Diversity of Their Staff

Looking at the demographics of the company's present workforce is another approach to gauge its dedication to diversity and inclusion. Statistics on a company's efforts to increase diversity in the workplace are often made public, so you can see whether they are succeeding. Beyond the raw data, however, it's also crucial to think about whether or not the company's management matches the diversity of its workforce.

3. Seek Out Employee Groups That Can Help You

ERGs, or employee resource groups, are communities of workers united by a common identity or interest. A strong feeling of community and belonging among workers from underrepresented groups may be fostered via ERGs. Look for organisations where you will be welcomed and supported by an ERG.

4. Check How You Recruit New Employees

A company's dedication to diversity and inclusion may also be shown throughout the employment process. If you belong to a minority that is underrepresented in the workforce, you should seek out firms that actively seek to diversify their hiring panels and recruiting tactics. Recruiters at businesses who put an emphasis on diversity and inclusion will have access to a variety of tools and resources designed to assist them minimise prejudice in the selection process.

5. Look at the Courses They Offer for Training

Having the chance to learn and grow in one's position is crucial. Try to find a company that invests in its workers and leadership by providing them with diversity and inclusion training. Unconscious bias education, cultural competency training, and fostering an inclusive work environment should all be important goals of these initiatives.

6. Learn about their CSR initiatives.

Many contemporary businesses put a premium on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Companies that put more emphasis on CSR are more likely to value diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Look for businesses that have CSR programmes that promote underserved communities, advance equality of opportunity, and advocate for human rights as part of their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're looking for a career in a welcoming and inclusive environment, your best bet is to choose an employer that shares your beliefs. Given the popularity of "diversity-washing" and performative allyship, however, it may be difficult to recognise businesses that are really devoted to diversity and inclusion. Jobseekers may gauge an organization's dedication to diversity and inclusion by looking at its diversity policies, staff demographics, and employee resource groups. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion may be gauged by its recruiting practises, training initiatives, and CSR initiatives.