The Reading List: Why workplace diversity is essential
- How unconscious bias may be affecting your business
Unconscious bias is an all-too common pitfall in hiring, and it can be difficult to avoid. In the journey to becoming a truly diverse and flexible business, unconscious bias could be your greatest stumbling block.
“It is human nature to like people who are similar to us; but this can be dangerous in the way it influences hiring decisions.
If you restrict yourself to recruiting people from similar backgrounds, and with similar experiences, you risk narrowing your appeal in your customer base and ultimately you are less adaptable in the market.”
HRZone explores proactive ways to take the bias out of your hiring process, and encourage your business to thrive.
Read it now: How to achieve diversity through merit-based hiring
- Aging workforce could be the answer to the ongoing skills shortage
As the age of retirement increases, employers have seen a rise in an aging workforce. These skilled workers have knowledge and experience on their side, and with access to the right training and education, could provide the answer to the current skills shortage.
“This shift in demographics needs to be harnessed by business, not feared, because there are real advantages to any business in having a diverse and representative workforce.
Many companies already recognise the benefits of older workers, retaining skills and talents, having a diverse multi-generational workforce and better understanding their customers.”
Onrec suggests that investing in the aging workforce is essential, and that ‘being age friendly’ could bring many benefits to your business.
Read it now: ‘Older workers are vital for the future of the economy’ say UK’s leading businesses
- Why the flexible working isn’t a ‘woman’s issue’
Whilst much has been done to support gender equality in some workplaces, there are still more conversations to have. Prevailing attitudes both in the workplace and society still place issues such as managing work-life balance and childcare on the shoulders of women. But these issues need to be brought into the wider consciousness.
“Ultimately, we need to change attitudes of leadership teams, managers and even those starting out in their careers for a wide-reaching understanding of these issues.
We cannot place the burden of these concerns on women’s shoulders any more. Male and female employers and colleagues need to support the load too.”
In our very own blog, Hireserve asks: How can we make gender issues everyone’s issues?
Read it now: Why are we still talking about ‘women’s issues’ in the workplace?
- Embrace diversity in the workplace and reap the rewards
Achieving a truly diverse organisation takes more than just fair hiring decisions. A workplace needs to be inclusive, provide a listening ear to all staff, and encourage new ideas to grow. This can benefit staff and the performance of an organisation overall.
“In a market which is changing and evolving faster than ever, being innovative and genuinely understanding your customer base are vital. And this is the key outcome which true diversity can provide.
Having employees with identical backgrounds and similar education, for example, will only give you insight into customers who have a similar profile.”
In this insightful article, HRreview explores how to truly become a diverse business – and the business benefits to be gained from it.
Read it now: Diversity should be embraced rather than reluctantly accepted
About the author
Tristan Potter
Tristan has a decade's worth of experience writing content and copy for organisations across Bristol and the Southwest of England. He has written on a diverse range of topics, including technology, philosophy, politics, and recruitment. His writing has appeared in The Drum, HR Grapevine, and The Guardian, among other publications. He joined Hireserve in March 2022.