There is discrimination in all parts of the hiring process. From the moment a company makes the realization that they need to make a hire to the day you see the whites of their eyes at their desk there are places where discriminatory pitfalls can be found. one example is in the words used in the job descriptions and ads.
Different words and phrases will become outdated and some, over time, will be downright offensive. “Seasoned” for older candidates. Are they steaks? Why is this ever in a job ad? But other less obvious phrases can also (intentional or not) give off the wrong impression. what do you think when you “digital native” or a “recent grad”? Does a younger candidate come to mind? That’s because those phrases are examples of ageism. Only candidates born 20-25 years ago will be “digital natives” or will have been born with digital technology and “recent grad” insinuates someone in their early 20s as the traditional “recent graduate”.
Avoid Discrimination in the Hiring Process – in job descriptions and job postings
Utilize this list to help keep inherently discriminatory words out of your postings. Appeal to a larger talent pool, and cut down on bias in the application process.
Do Not Use
Possible substitutions
Seasoned
Experience in a similar role
Digital native
Men or women
Use “you”
Non-descript words like “superstar”
Use proper title
Do not use gender-specific pronouns He/she
Use the plural “they” or “you” as appropriate in the sentence
Recent Grads, or Graduates
0 or less than 1 year of experience
Ambitious young people
Do not use any age indicators
“Brogrammer”, or variations of “bro” and other positions
Use proper title
Veterans and their wives
Excludes female veterans and same-sex marriage use “Spouse” or “partner” instead of wives
Master/slave Data Architecture
In Databases jobs, this phrase should not be used “Primary/replica” is a good substitution
Afflicted, crippled
Person with disability
Man-hours
Work hours
Businessman
businessperson
Grandfather Clause
legacy
Layman
Layperson
Spokesman, or Spokeswoman
Spokesperson
Workmanship
work
Man-made
Artificial, synthetic
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In the current era, diversity has become an integral aspect of modern-day workplaces. The term diversity generally refers to the inclusion of individuals from different races, ethnicities, genders, religions, backgrounds, and age groups in the workplace. Furthermore, diversity does not only embrace individual differences but also encompasses various attributes that make each individual unique. In this article, we highlight the importance of diversity in the workplace and how it can benefit employers.
Diversity in the workplace
Encourages innovation and creativity
Diversity fosters a culture of creativity and innovation in the workplace. When employees come from different backgrounds and cultures, they bring new perspectives, ideas, and unique experiences that promote creative thinking and problem-solving. A blend of diverse perspectives and thoughts often leads to out-of-the-box thinking, which can challenge the status quo and generate new ideas to propel the organization forward.
Attracts and retains top talent
Creating and maintaining a diverse workforce goes beyond satisfying legal requirements. It is essential to attract and retain top talent in today’s dynamic marketplace. Diverse organizations are more likely to appeal to a broad range of applicants, including Millennials, who demonstrate a strong preference for working in diverse environments. Furthermore, an organization’s reputation for being diverse and inclusive can help build its brand, attract top talent, and enhance its employee retention capabilities.
Better decision-making
Organizations that embrace diversity also tend to benefit from improved decision-making as a result of diverse perspectives. In a diverse workforce, there are numerous points of view, leading to a balanced analysis and more informed decision-making processes. Decision-making processes that involve a range of perspectives can often result in superior outcomes. It’s widely acknowledged that a diverse group of individuals can generate an environment of healthy debate and greater intellectual rigor.
Improves customer satisfaction
Having a diverse workforce also helps companies better understand the needs and preferences of their customers. When companies employ individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, they are more equipped to offer tailor-made solutions to the diverse customer base they serve. By having employees from different backgrounds, companies improve communication with customers from various cultures, which can result in higher customer satisfaction and increased consumer loyalty.
Global reach
In today’s competitive and global marketplace, achieving success often requires companies to have a global reach and understanding of different cultures. Diversity in the workplace can create a more adaptable and flexible work environment that can compete more efficiently, both domestically and internationally. Employers that embrace diversity create a welcoming and inclusive environment that positively impacts relationships with customers, clients, and all business stakeholders.
In conclusion, diversity is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for today’s organizations. Creating an inclusive and diverse workforce can bring various business benefits, including creativity, innovation, improved decision-making, and global awareness. Employers should focus on creating a culture that actively celebrates differences while striving for a common goal. It is the role of management to promote diversity in the workplace actively and encourage an inclusive environment that welcomes the unique qualities of each individual. To build a sustainable and thriving organization, it’s time to embrace diversity fully.
