In today’s evolving job market, companies are increasingly recognising the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). But it’s not just about paying lip service to these ideals; it’s about embodying them in every aspect of your recruitment strategy. One powerful way to do that is by offering flexibility, and it all begins with your job adverts.

The Significance of Flexibility

Diverse candidates are not a monolithic group; they come from various backgrounds and life circumstances. What’s more, they often face unique challenges that can impact their work-life balance. By acknowledging this and highlighting flexibility in your job adverts, you’re not just meeting a checkbox on the DEI checklist; you’re creating a more inclusive and welcoming workplace from the very first point of contact.

What does flexibility mean?

Flexibility, in the context of job adverts, can encompass a range of options. It could be the offer of remote work, flexible hours, part-time positions, or other alternative work arrangements. These options can be a game-changer for many diverse candidates.

Why does it matter?

cartoon image of mother working from home with 2 kids and a cat

Meet Sarah…

Sarah is a working mother who’s also a software developer. She’s immensely talented, but her childcare responsibilities make a traditional 9-to-5 job a challenge. Your company’s job advert, which highlights flexibility and remote work options, caught her eye. She applied, joined your team, and quickly became an invaluable asset. Her unique perspective, combined with the flexibility you offered, led to innovative solutions that boosted your company’s success.

Let’s break it down further, when you openly talk about your flexibility it:

    • Helps to attract a BROADER TALENT POOLWhen you emphasise flexibility in your job adverts, you’re sending a clear signal that you value the diverse needs and preferences of candidates. This, in turn, broadens your talent pool, as candidates who might not have considered your company otherwise can now see themselves fitting in.
    • Creates an INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTInclusion is not just about bringing people in; it’s about making them feel welcome and comfortable. By showing that you’re open to accommodating different life circumstances, you’re setting the stage for a more inclusive workplace culture.
    • Allows you to leverage UNIQUE PERSPECTIVESDiverse candidates often bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. By offering flexibility, you encourage them to join your team, where they can contribute their insights and enrich your company’s collective wisdom.

Incorporating Flexibility in Your Job Adverts

So, how do you weave flexibility into your job adverts? Be explicit and transparent. Clearly state the options available, whether it’s remote work opportunities, flexible scheduling, or anything else. This transparency not only attracts diverse candidates but also builds trust from the very beginning.

Going the EXTRA STEP

If you’re already signed up to app.www.diversetalent.ai, then you probably already know how much we can help with the promotion of your company and job ads so you can skip this part (or not, your call), but if you aren’t signed up then first off – why not? and second, you need to read what I’m about to say.

Our DE&I focused hiring platform is so transparent, that when you sign up, job seekers can read and understand all about your flexibility – without having to dig deep. It’s all right there, front and centre. You can take my word for it, or you can check it out for yourself over on app.www.diversetalent.ai.

So, what did we learn today, kids?

Flexibility in job adverts isn’t just a recruitment strategy; it’s a reflection of your commitment to diversity and inclusion. It’s a message that goes beyond words, showing that your company genuinely cares about the needs and aspirations of a diverse workforce.

Embrace flexibility, and you’ll not only attract top talent but also build a workplace that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. In the world of DEI recruitment, this is a small step with profound implications for your company’s future success.

… and also sign up to app.www.diversetalent.ai ❤

 

Written by Katie Ashenhurst – Digital Design Engineer