Diversity, equity and inclusion continue to be hot topics in today’s workforce. With record numbers of professionals quitting their jobs to find meaningful work, many of today’s job seekers are looking to work for companies whose values align with theirs and where they feel included.
A diverse workforce is one that includes people of all cultures, abilities, races and backgrounds. An equitable workforce is one in which processes and decisions provide equal possible outcomes for all workers. An inclusive workforce is one that values diverse viewpoints and makes all employees feel valued, regardless of title or role.
Inclusion is good for both employees and for business. For example, a 2020 report by McKinsey & Company stated businesses in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profits compared to companies in the lowest quartile. For companies in the top quartile for diversity in ethnicity, the likelihood of financial outperformance rose to 36%.
As a worker in a diverse and inclusive workplace, you might feel more comfortable contributing, innovating and collaborating with others. As we commemorate Black History Month in February and celebrate diversity all year-round, here’s why you should seek out inclusive employers and how to get a job at one.
Benefits of Working at an Inclusive Workplace
In addition to how working for an inclusive employer may make you feel, it’s helpful to understand the tangible benefits inclusive employers provide in various industries. Diverse and inclusive employers have:
- Higher revenue growth
- More innovation
- More diverse recruiting, which can lead to bigger talent pools and better talent
- 5.4 times higher employee retention
Research by Great Place to Work also shows when employees trust their employer is inclusive, they’re 9.8 times more likely to look forward to going to work and are 6.3 times more likely to have pride in their work.
Working for a diverse and inclusive employer means you get to access a more diverse range of viewpoints and life experiences. You might feel inspired to pursue different education or try out a new form of work. Diverse relationships can expand your world view and make you a more tolerant person outside of work, too.
Today’s employers are used to being asked about their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. When you’re looking for jobs or interviewing with employers, here’s how you can ensure the company you work for makes DEI a priority.
How to Get a Job at an Inclusive Employer
First, thoroughly read the job description for the position you’re considering. Is there a stated DEI policy? Are there statements that describe the company’s culture or the efforts it makes to be inclusive of all professionals?
Look at a company’s website to learn about the business leadership and gain an understanding of inclusion. Pay attention to corporate images, language and mission statement. For example:
- Is diversity reflected in the leadership?
- Does the company have an executive position committed to DEI?
- How does the company talk about DEI on its overview page?
Also, look at the company’s marketing efforts, including social media pages. Does the company have diverse representation in how it portrays its customers? Is the language inclusive? Are diverse employees represented in photos and team event recaps?
When you’re in a job interview or when you’re talking with a recruiter, you can directly ask about DEI efforts of the business. Some questions you might ask include:
- How would your employees describe your company culture?
- How would you describe your DEI efforts in the past year?
- Do you offer any regular DEI trainings?
- How do you work to make sure every employee feels included in your organization?
- What type of benefits do you offer?
Pay attention to how a company promotes DEI. These might be floating holiday benefits, for example, that accommodate all religious holidays and enable employees to take whatever days off they want. Other inclusive benefits might look like gender-neutral parental leave and mental health coverage.
During your interview, you can state why DEI matters to you and how you want to see it exemplified in the position. This helps you set up clear expectations for what you want from the role, so you can keep management accountable and contribute to DEI efforts at the business.
You can also search the company in the news. A simple Google search may bring up leadership scandals, or positive ways the company has impacted the community through its volunteer efforts.
Online review sites, like Glassdoor, can also reveal anonymous feedback from current and past employees. You can also leverage online networking through a site like LinkedIn to find people in your network who are connected to the company or who have friends who are. You can ask people who have worked for the business what their thoughts on its DEI efforts are.
DEI Can Help You Love Your Job More
A diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce can help you develop as a professional and enjoy your work more each day. When you’re considering a new job, make DEI a priority. Working for an inclusive workforce enables you to do better work, which can help you grow your career and contribute more to your employer and beyond in your professional life.
Are you searching for a new job? Check out available careers in AZ from DEI-focused employers.