Welcome to the October edition of Recruitment Radar! 🙌
In September, we saw more strike action and discussion of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), while figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a significant drop in UK employment.Amidst these fluctuations, it’s important to take time to celebrate Black History Month and ensure that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts remain a key focus.
While this year's event focuses on the historical role of Black women at the helm of community building and social justice, Black History Month is also an opportunity for employers to reflect on how they can champion and support Black individuals in their professional journeys.
Alongside celebrating the impact Black people have left (and continue to leave) on society, including our own Carnival showcasing the vibrant culture of the African diaspora, this month we’re exploring the enduring impact of gender and ethnicity on career prospects. We’ll also be sharing strategies for employers to create an environment that unlocks the potential of a diverse workforce.
Let’s dive in. 👇
While we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black women like Tessa Sanderson, Margaret Busy and Baroness Lawrence, research still points to the challenges many Black workers face.
For example, our research into the workplace experiences of Black and South Asian women last year revealed persistent disparities in career trajectories. Notably, we found Black workers face extended job searches compared to their white counterparts:
This research also highlighted the obstacles Black women face during the recruitment process. A startling 37% believe their ethnicity has hindered at least one job application, while a sobering 62% report experiencing discrimination based on their ethnicity during hiring.
Furthermore, healthcare disparities experienced by individuals from Black and minority ethnic groups have a ripple effect in the workplace. For instance, our latest research shows that 42% of people who undergo fertility treatments experience stunted career development, rising to 71% for those of Asian or Asian-British heritage and 65% for those from Black, Black British, Caribbean or African backgrounds.
Additional evidence underscores the pay and employment gaps workers from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds experience:
Given these findings, the onus is on employers to champion equal opportunities to get the best from their workforce, especially those facing the biggest obstacles. One thing many are doing is including aDiversity & Inclusion (D&I)statement in job adverts, something 59% of jobseekers from Black, Black British, Caribbean and African backgrounds consider extremely important.
However, this is just a starting point – the real work is bringing that statement to life in the workplace. Below, we delve into our guidance for employers on cultivating an equitable working environment where everyone can thrive.
Explore our articles for insights into how you can begin fostering an inclusive workplace and unleash the full potential of your workforce.
In our latest piece, we’ve outlined how employers can create an inclusive workforce that champions Black employees and contributes to increased engagement and retention.
In this article, we examine the steps employers should consider in collaboration with their teams to create a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion to support wellbeing.
This article details the insights of our research into the experiences of Black and South Asian women in the workplace, highlighting the obstacles they face and how employers can help overcome them.
Here we examine the benefits employers can leverage from a diverse workforce, highlighting the challenges organisations face and outlining practical steps to fostering more diversity at work.
Here’s what we’ve been reading and discussing to stay abreast of the latest insights around DEI in the workplace.
Brainfood Live On Air – Age & Ageism – Generational Diversity in Recruitment, The Recruiting Brainfood Podcast, EP222
An in-depth exploration of age and ageism in the workplace, with a look at how AI and DEI can work together to shape the future of hiring.
Why layoffs hit workers of colour so hard, BBC Worklife
Underrepresentation is already a challenge in the workplace, and a swath of global layoffs is making it harder for people of colour and threatening their advancement.
Almost half of young Black Britons plan to migrate amid racism concerns, landmark study highlights, The Independent
Landmark research unveiled on the eve of Black History Month shows almost half of young Black British people plan to leave the country amid concerns of societal racism.
Midlands companies to share insights about race in the workplace, Birmingham Live
Companies from around the Midlands will share how they’ve been ‘navigating the terrain of race’ during a special Black History Month event.
Remember, the path to a more inclusive and prosperous workplace for all extends beyond Black History Month. In the words ofEmployee Relations Specialist Ola Olatunji:
“At Totaljobs - part of The Stepstone Group - we are committed to elevating individuals from all backgrounds. We radically include and celebrate the difference in every culture which fosters an ideal work environment. We are proud to be promoting our Black employee’s heritages during the occasion of the Black History Month, but the work doesn't stop after October. Our research points to the ongoing and vital need for organisations to uplift Black employees throughout their careers, diligently reviewing and removing the workplace blockers that stand in the way of growth, and embedding strategies for greater diversity and inclusion in the needs and experiences of this community. Black History Month provides a great opportunity to listen and reflect on what progress has been made in this space, but more importantly, to refocus on the crucial work still to be done.”
Can’t wait until next month for more insights into the world of work? Check out some of the other projects our team have been working on:
See you in November!
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