Is workplace diversity a key part of your employer brand? It should be.
In the AAGE’s 2017 candidate survey, millennial students and graduates said they seek employers with diverse and inclusive workplaces when deciding whether to accept a job offer!
Diversity and inclusion targets and initiatives also feature high on the corporate agenda due to the positive effect on innovation, decision-making, and collaboration in the workforce.
So, how to promote your workplace diversity? We’ve put together some of our top tips to help you attract top graduate talent to your program.
Establish Your Diversity Brand
If your organisation has existing diversity and inclusion activities; employee-led diversity networks, executive support, and commitments in place, showcase them on your social feeds and in your photo and video content. Be proud of your workplace and celebrate your progress, achievements, and successes.
Profile Your Diverse Workforce in Corporate Images, Videos, and Stories
There’s only one way to truly demonstrate you’re an equal opportunity employer and that is to profile your existing employees to celebrate the diversity in their education, background, experiences, and skill sets. It’s as simple as using realistic photos of your employees on your social and corporate marketing materials.
Encourage Your Graduate Alumni to Share Their Stories on Social Media
They say employees are your best marketers – Your graduate alumni are an incredibly powerful and persuasive branding and marketing resource. Tap into their networks by encouraging them to share their stories and experiences with your organisation on social platforms (yours and theirs).
Partner with Professional Minority Associations and Student Societies
Do some research of your local area and partner with a professional minority association, student society, or university support and careers advice unit (eg. A&TSI student support centres). You can then build your brand presence through sponsorship, thought leadership, speaking, hosting, mentoring, and networking events.
Introduce D&I Pathway Programs and Support
Entry pathway programs are an opportunity to build your diverse culture and brand awareness in targeted diversity groups as part of a graduate program talent pipeline strategy. Some existing initiatives are A&TSI-identified Internship / graduate roles, Women in STEM scholarships, and formal mentoring programs.
Include Your Diversity Programs and Initiatives on Your GradConnection Employer Profile
Don’t forget to add your diversity programs and initiatives to your GradConnection employer profile. You’re able to identify whether your organisation offers cultural diversity, LGBTI support, Disability programs, Equal opportunities programs, and Indigenous programs. You can provide the specifics of these programs and initiatives in your profile.
Get Your Messaging Right
The best way to demonstrate your diverse and inclusive organisation is to start visually documenting and sharing your employee stories and D&I events and initiatives. Building a strong employer brand takes time, but the more consistently you’re able to communicate your values, workplace, people, and culture the more you will attract the right candidates who align with them.
