19 Oct Latest Blog

Does inclusivity of all actually exist?

We recently came across The Greatest Commercial Ever by Jeremy’s Razors. It’s a tongue in cheek title for an over-the-top parody commercial about being woke in the modern age.

It’s a poke at woke in the way it is written and, in the visuals, but it’s blatant attack on current box ticking advertisements was a cause for a discussion amongst our team. Especially as we advertise all the time.

In recruitment, we have a responsibility with value alignment with regards to all communities and how that is filtering into the employers seeking employees.

It is vital that everyone has aligned values when we’re matching a candidate, a skill set and a company so that they can work together, with similar mindsets, towards a common goal.

We have found along the way that some employers aren’t doing enough to be inclusive in how they advertise for new jobs – and that needs to change.

All of society need to feel like they are seen, heard, understood and, most importantly, that the opportunities available are open to all. This is particularly important when employers recognise, they need to address underrepresentation in their workforce.

However, we have had other companies that go to great lengths not to leave anyone out and list all minorities and different communities in the terms and conditions of an application for a vacancy. This starts to come across as inauthentic and leads to a rollcall as long as a length of wallpaper listing every single possible group of people that could potentially be offended if they weren’t in the checklist.

This raised an important question. Surely, rather than trying to list each social group, it would be more beneficial and much more inclusive to say that the job is open to all, whatever your race, religion, ability, gender or sexuality etc.?

The offer of ‘open to all’ has to be genuine, it is really open to all?

We end up with so many communities in the buzzwords that it can be construed that if a particular minority community has been forgotten that they are not wanted and therefore, don’t apply. Most people would apply regardless; however, the wording is still important to attract great candidates who see themselves matching the outlined criteria.

Let’s not shy away from discrimination, it exists and saying you are woke does not mean you are actively addressing these issues. Ensuring your business has no bias when advertising a role and that you are confident you are inclusive, and your equality statements are not just an empty promise, will mean you will reap the rewards of appealing to all.

If you need help navigating a job advert or want assistance in filling a vacancy, Wills Consultants can help. Call us today on 01536 512202.