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Five Top Tips for Managers Looking to Build a Diverse Team

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Elizabeth Mackenzie
Five Top Tips for Managers Looking to Build a Diverse Team

It's well known that businesses with more diverse teams perform better. However, building a diverse team can be a bit challenging, and many companies still have a long way to go. One Statista report states that only 51 percent of Gen z and Millennial employees would describe their workplace as diverse. 


Managers hoping to reach a higher level of diversity need to recruit a great balance of technical skills, character traits, and educational background. Below, you will find strategies on how to build a diverse team for your company. 


Recruit a Diverse Pool of Candidates

A more diverse company can mean a better bottom line. Companies with employees from a variety of backgrounds are more innovative and better able to adapt to change. One way to increase diversity is by targeting underrepresented groups through advertising and recruiting efforts. 


Review your job descriptions to ensure they are inclusive and welcoming to a diverse range of applicants. You can also reach out to community organizations that serve underrepresented groups. Finally, be sure to interview a diverse slate of candidates for every open position.


Evaluate Candidates Fairly and Equitably

Taking into consideration a range of factors, including experience, education, and personal qualities, will ensure you have a diverse workforce. It also ensures that the selection process is free from bias and that all applicants have an equal opportunity to be considered for the role. This will lead to improved customer service, greater innovation, and a more positive corporate image. 


Some companies employ blind résumé screening, which removes personal information that could lead to unconscious bias. They also focus on a candidate's qualifications and skills rather than their demographic characteristics. Focusing on skills rather than work experience or education can also help open the door to traditionally underrepresented groups. 


For example, if you are hiring an entry-level software engineer, you could consider accepting a coding bootcamp education as a substitute for a traditional degree. The best coding bootcamps, like Flatiron School or General Assembly, instill in-demand tech skills and are more affordable than four-year universities. 


Establish a Positive Company Culture

A company’s culture includes the way employees dress, speak, and interact with customers and clients. It's the values that guide decision-making and the expectations that define how employees are treated. 


Therefore, positive company culture can be a powerful tool for increasing diversity in the workplace. By creating an environment that is inclusive and respectful of all employees, regardless of their background or identity, companies can attract a wider range of talent. As an employer, you should promote a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive. 


Allow Flexible Work Arrangements

Many people face obstacles that prevent them from being able to access traditional workplaces. This is why flexible work arrangements can play a key role. By offering telecommuting options, or by allowing employees to set their own hours, companies can make it easier for people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to participate in the workforce. Ultimately, this will create a more equitable and successful workplace for everyone.


Part-time and flex-time options can be attractive to working professionals, who may otherwise have difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities. It's also a great way to show employees that you value their work-life balance and are committed to accommodating their needs. 


Offer Employee Opportunities for Growth and Development

As the workforce continues to evolve, so too must the corporate structure that surrounds it. Ensuring that all employees have opportunities for growth and development is essential to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. 


By investing in employee education and training, businesses can create a more diverse workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of a global market. In addition, by providing opportunities for employees to move up within the company, businesses can encourage a sense of loyalty and commitment. 


Verdict

Building a diverse team isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. By following the tips above, you can create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and has an opportunity to succeed. Diversity and inclusion should be an ongoing effort in your workplace, and there are plenty of ways to get involved. In addition to the above points, ensure you also celebrate employees’ successes. Recognize the diversity champions on your team and reward them accordingly. 



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Elizabeth Mackenzie
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