As a small business owner, if you’re not taking steps towards improving diversity, equity and inclusion in your business, your business will eventually suffer. According to Glassdoor, 76% of job seekers feel a diverse workforce is an important factor when evaluating companies and job offers, and 32% of workers wouldn’t apply for a job at a company with a lack of diversity. This means talented individuals will pass by your company in increasing numbers.
Tips to Improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Hiring is generally believed to be the best way to put DEI measures into action, however if you are your only employee for now or you have a super small team, there are other places you could focus your efforts.
improving diversity, equity, and inclusion is easier said than done. Ideally, companies should start with a DEI strategy and plan. But that requires a lot of time and effort. To improve DEI now, here are some tips to get started:
1. Diversify Your Vendors
Review your list of vendors, people who you directly do business with, focus on a variety of diverse factors outside race and gender, such as age, family status, and location. Then, take the time to seek out new vendors from a variety of backgrounds.
2. Audit Your Holiday Calendar
Does your company only recognize automatic time off for Christian holidays? Now is the time to change this by offering floating holidays for those who don’t practice Christianity or building in time off for other religious holidays outside of Christianity.
3. Reduce Bias in Your Hiring Process
If your hiring manager brags that they can tell if someone is a good hire within the first 30 seconds of meeting them, that’s called implicit bias and should be openly discussed. Take the time to review not only your hiring process, but the job descriptions too so you can remove unnecessary barriers.
4. Start with Leadership
Diversity, equity and inclusion measures start with leadership. It goes a long way in promoting inclusion and a sense of belonging when your employees can see someone of a diverse background represented on the leadership team. If you are the only member of your leadership team, review who your mentors are, who you are receiving advice from? Are you seeking out diverse voices?
5. Celebrate Diversity
There are ample opportunities to celebrate diversity over the course of the year, from Black History to Women History to Hispanic Heritage month and more. Celebrate these both internally among your staff and externally on social media to let potential clients, employees and vendors know your values.
The best way to improve DEI across your company is with a long term strategy and plan. As a small business owner, you are already juggling so much and if you’re unsure of where to start, it’s best to bring in an expert. Radar Designs is available to work with your company, providing the strategic support you need to champion this important initiative.
If you’re ready to learn more, reach out to us today! You’ll learn what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean, the benefits of DEI, and steps to develop a DEI plan and strategy for your business.
