What is Diversity Talent Sourcing?

The easiest way to explain diversity sourcing is proactively searching for qualified candidates that also belong to one or several of the underrepresented groups & communities. Here are the most common diversity categories in the United States. 

“What is your focus? Are you trying to build a business, improve your home, your relationships? When it get’s down to the nitty gritty, outsourcing what no longer serves you to bring about a new picture. All it takes is a little time and focus”. Abiola Ar’e is a millennial Chicagoan,  dedicated to assisting artists throughout the city; that’s his focus.

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What is Diversity Sourcing?

The easiest way to explain diversity sourcing is the act of proactively searching for qualified candidates that also belong to one or several of the underrepresented groups & communities. Here are the most common diversity categories in the United States. ‍

List of common & accepted Diversity candidate groups & communities‍

  • Women / People who identify as female

  • African American / Black people

  • Latino / Hispanic / Latinx people

  • Native American people 

  • Military veterans 

  • People with disabilities 

  • LGBTQ+ people

What is Diversity Recruitment?

Diversity recruiting is actively seeking candidates from underrepresented groups in the workforce, such as people of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The goal is to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Diversity recruiting DEI recruitment can be done through targeted outreach, partnerships with organizations that serve underrepresented groups, and implementing more inclusive hiring practices.

Why is diversity recruitment so important? 

Diversity recruitment is important for many reasons. One of the main reasons is that a diverse workforce can bring a range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences to an organization, leading to more creative and innovative solutions to problems. Additionally, a diverse workforce can better serve a diverse customer base, as individuals from underrepresented groups may have unique insights into the needs of those groups.

Another important reason is that a lack of diversity can lead to a culture of bias and discrimination in the workplace. Organizations can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all employees by actively recruiting a diverse workforce.

Finally, organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion tend to have a more positive reputation, which can attract top talent and increase employee engagement and retention.

Diversity recruitment is vital for creating a more equitable and innovative workplace, serving customers better, and enhancing the organization's reputation.

Where and how should companies create and implement a successful diversity recruitment strategy?

To create and implement a successful diversity recruitment strategy, companies should take a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. This can include the following steps:

  1. Assessing the current state of diversity within the organization includes identifying areas where underrepresentation exists and understanding the causes of these disparities.

  2. Setting goals and targets: Companies should set specific, measurable goals for increasing diversity in their workforce and create action plans to achieve these goals.

  3. Reviewing and revising hiring practices: This includes reviewing job descriptions and qualifications to ensure they are inclusive and creating a more diverse pool of candidates by advertising job openings in various outlets and encouraging referrals from underrepresented groups.

  4. Building partnerships and relationships: Companies should seek out and build relationships with organizations that serve underrepresented groups, such as community organizations, professional associations, and employee resource groups.

  5. Training and education: Companies should train managers and employees on unconscious bias, diversity and inclusion, and cultural competency.

  6. Monitoring and measuring progress: Companies should track their progress toward diversity goals and adjust their strategy as needed.

  7. Creating an inclusive culture: Companies should foster an inclusive culture through policies, practices, and communication that values and respects diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It's also important to note that a diversity recruitment strategy should be an ongoing process, not a one-time initiative, and should be integrated throughout the organization, not just in the HR department.

Creating a successful diversity recruitment strategy requires a commitment to ongoing assessment and improvement, and collaboration across the organization from top leaders.

Key Takeaway

Diversity recruitment is crucial for creating a more equitable and innovative workplace, serving customers better, and enhancing an organization's reputation.

Summary

  • Diversity sourcing involves proactively searching for qualified candidates from underrepresented groups and communities, such as women, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, military veterans, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

  • Diversity recruiting actively seeks candidates from underrepresented groups to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

  • The importance of diversity recruitment lies in bringing diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences to an organization, reducing bias and discrimination, and enhancing the organization's reputation.

  • To implement a successful diversity recruitment strategy, companies should assess their current diversity state, set measurable goals, revise hiring practices, build partnerships, provide training and education, monitor progress, and create an inclusive culture.

  • A successful diversity recruitment strategy is an ongoing process integrated throughout the organization, not just within the HR department.