Diversity and Selection Process – 70% of companies use as a criterion

In recent times, more and more companies have been assuming their proper role in contributing to increased diversity in the job market. 

And seeing most companies active in the market adopting this stance is very good, if we compare it to the presence of diversity years ago, which was much lower than it is today.

That's why we chose today's topic!

In this content, we will discuss the presence of diversity within companies and its importance in the selection processes that are part of the corporate routine.

The material, which will be divided into topics, will cover the following subjects:

• What is diversity?
• The importance of diversity in selection processes.
• The growth of companies that use diversity as a criterion.
• Applying diversity across all areas of the company.
• The role of HR in diversity.
• Conclusion

What is diversity?

This is perhaps the most prevalent topic in the media – such as TV and social networks – in recent years.

In general terms, and based on corporate reality, diversity consists of the coexistence of individuals who are different in a wide variety of aspects.

This includes factors such as ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social class, age, culture, etc. 

In addition to being a growing trend in the job market, when applied to the corporate world, diversity helps create a healthier and more plural work environment.

Furthermore, a more diverse team encourages the exchange of experiences among a wide range of professional profiles.

The importance of diversity in selection processes.

We know that the professional journey – starting from entering the job market – can be a path full of challenges for a large portion of the population. 

It doesn't take much research to know that, unfortunately, not all sectors of our society have the same opportunities. 

While certain groups have easier access to job and study opportunities, another segment of the population does not have the same advantages, making the path to professional success much more difficult.

That's why diversity is so important for institutions to incorporate when making their hiring decisions.

This type of initiative has an enormous impact on combating social inequality in our society, demonstrating how diversity is a criterion that companies should increasingly employ when assembling their teams.

The growth of companies that use diversity as a criterion.

Did you know that the number of companies structuring their selection processes using diversity as a criterion has shown significant growth in recent times?

Studies indicate that approximately 701,300 companies have already integrated diversity as one of the main pillars in their recruitment process.

By using diversity as one of their criteria, in addition to playing a very important social role in combating social inequality in Brazil – and also in the rest of the world – companies also benefit.

By opting for a more diverse team of employees, the company is also investing in its own performance. By promoting this type of policy, companies are investing in new approaches and perspectives, since they have a diverse team ready to offer new solutions to any obstacles the company may face. 

And many of these solutions presented are only possible because of the team's diversity and the various experiences and ways of thinking. 

Applying diversity across all areas of the company.

It is also important to emphasize that diversity needs to be applied in all sectors of a company, from the most operational positions, through managers and leadership roles, all the way to the board of directors.

When a company has a more diverse board of directors, the chances of policies that encourage diversity being adopted increase exponentially.

This is one aspect that encompasses diversity: giving opportunities and opening doors for professionals who, due to a number of factors, end up not having the same opportunities as others.

And that makes all the difference in these people's lives.

The role of HR in diversity. 

With one of the most crucial roles in the pursuit of diversity within the company, the Human Resources sector is one of the main players when we address diversity and the selection process. 

Whether it's contributing to the development of a selection process, the recruitment stage, or even the implementation of internal actions and policies – such as lectures, workshops, and training sessions – that aim to promote the concept of diversity among employees.

Most importantly, as the gateway for new employees, the Human Resources department must know how to apply the concept of diversity in the best possible way. 

In this way, HR will ensure that opportunities are given to the most diverse types of professionals, resulting in a more diverse team of employees ready to grow along with the company. 

Conclusion

Despite the efforts of most companies to promote greater diversity in their selection processes – and consequently in the structure of their teams – being an act that deserves full recognition, there is still much to be done to reach an ideal level for everyone.

There is still a lot of discrimination when it comes to hiring and the selection process – even if it happens in a more veiled way. 

This means that, in addition to having to deal with adversity throughout their lives, these people also have to face various types of situations imposed by companies that are still resistant to the concept of diversity.  

Therefore, this increase in diversity is a big step towards the ideal scenario, but we are still far from getting there.

Did you enjoy this content? Try reading more! 7 motivational movies to enjoy this weekend

Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

November 22, 2021