Recruit a work force that reflects global market

 

 

Why do it? Is it an obligation? Corporate pressure? The law? The fact is, in today”™s fast-paced global economy recruiting and managing a diverse work force is a critical factor in determining success.

 

The process of developing human capital begins with the leadership of the organization. For many top executives, this requires learning to manage people and situations that may lie outside their comfort zone. One of the major challenges to recruiting a diverse work force stems from traditional business practices and thinking that are no longer relevant in an era of fast-paced change and global competition.

 

What can you do to start down the road toward securing this talent pool for your organization?

1. Secure the commitment and buy-in of the entire management team within the organization.

2. Set goals for your organization. Determine the availability of the diverse talent and add the recruitment objectives to your goals.

 

3. Build a reputation for being diversity-friendly. The image your company presents to the public will have a direct impact on recruitment results. If your company is seen as one that offers real opportunities to diverse employees, and where all employees are treated with respect, it will attract a diverse applicant pool.

 

4. Agree on recruiting and selection processes that demonstrates your organization”™s commitment to diversity. Building relationships is more critical in the diversity management realm. Cultivate relationships with diversity organizations, including associations, colleges and universities, and alumni associations with a large number of diversity graduates.

 

5. Snag top talent. Start by joining organizations that have affiliations with diverse populations. Include an intern program to attract these candidates at the early stage of their careers. Target sororities and fraternities that boast a huge diversity membership. Use your alumni to recruit. Set up an employee referral incentive program.

 

The ability to retain a diverse work force can be as challenging as the recruitment phase. Unless organizations create a climate that welcomes and is hospitable to a diverse work force, fresh talent will move on, leading to costly turn-over.

 

Especially key will be how do you onboard these diverse individuals. Does your company or organization have a program for on-boarding? Does your company offer a mentoring program in which current employees help show new hires the ropes and how to network? Diversity training programs are key as well as they will help to define your new corporate culture.

 

With globalization comes dealing with others who are representative of the diverse world we live in. From the Middle East to Asia, from Africa to India new markets and opportunities are there for the taking. Companies that fail to recognize this new equation are going to be left behind.

 

Tara McKernan is executive vice president of JobPlex Inc., a DHR

International Co., in Stamford. Reach her at tmckernan@jobplex.com.