Are you in the market for a new job? Millions are in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. You might feel desperate, but wise applicants know that working for a company that reflects their values will lead to higher long-term satisfaction and success than jumping at the first opportunity.
How can you tell if a potential employer values diversity? While there are no hard and fast rules, you can get a general impression of an organization through public information. You might need to do a little investigative research if you’re unsure, but the most successful businesses often make hiring staff members from a variety of backgrounds a priority.
1. They Have Positive Reviews on Social Media
You can learn a lot from social media. Why else do you think employers use it to learn about you?
You do have to take negative reviews with a grain of salt. According to the White House Office of Consumer Affairs, dissatisfied customers tell between nine and 15 people about their experience, while happy folks tell only a few. However, if you notice that a company has a history of complaints stretching back several years, it should give you pause.
2. They Have Diversity in Leadership
Many companies post the biographies of top-level executives on their websites. Take the time to review them. Does the executive suite look like a bunch of dead presidents, or do you see all backgrounds represented?
Leadership matters, and this exercise can reveal much about the long-term viability of the organization. A recent study by Boston Consulting Group shows that companies with diverse leadership teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation. Maybe you are in the market for a job due to losing your former position amid the pandemic. You don’t need the trauma of getting hit by a round of layoffs soon after you start something new.
3. Their Mission Statement Includes Embracing Diversity
What is the mission statement of the organization where you are applying? You should know for two reasons — it shows you did your homework at your interview and reveals the values of the company. You can often find this information on the business’s website, but you have to learn to speak the language. They may include the data on the “about us” page, or you may have to look for the words “investor relations” or “company info.”
4. They’re Transparent About Their Business Practices
Companies need to exercise discretion when it comes to trade secrets lest they lose business to their competitors. However, when it comes to how they treat their employees, the more transparent they are, the better. Consider it a green flag if they highlight their diversity practices on their website.
If possible, try to talk to former employees. LinkedIn is a superb resource for finding alumni. Send a polite message telling them you’re considering accepting a position and ask what their favorite and least-favorite part of their previous job was. Many states have implemented laws restricting the ability of companies to demand confidentiality in separation agreements, so you might get an invaluable insight into daily practices.
5. Their Salary and Benefits Packages Represent Inclusivity
Platitudes don’t pay the bills. Let’s face it — in the United States’ extreme capitalistic society, money talks louder than pleasant-sounding statements on websites and press releases. Does the company’s salary and benefits package represent diversity and inclusion? How can you tell a business’s value system from a job offer? Here are some clues:
Do they pay a living wage for the region? A job that pays $16 an hour might pay the bills in Birmingham but create severe economic hardship in Seattle.
Do they offer comprehensive health benefits? Fair or not, the burden of providing insurance coverage in America falls on the shoulders of employers and individuals. Does the company offer a plan that employees can realistically use, or do they offer only high-deductible programs, if any? If the firm is small, it might not have the funds to cover the burden. They should, at a minimum, offer an employee wellness plan with low-cost options for care.
Do they treat staff like human beings? Employers who value diversity know that kids sometimes get sick and need a parent’s care, that medical specialists don’t provide weekend appointments and that your car lacks a hover feature to soar you over traffic jams. They offer flextime and remote work options that let staff members be human, not automatons who punch in precisely at nine and perform mechanically until five.
Will Your New Employer Value Diversity? Look for These Five Signs
When you seek new employment, you want to find a company that reflects your values. Diverse teams produce more and enjoy improved financial success — so proactively seek out businesses that embrace this core value.
