Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is one of the most important tools you have to engage with candidates. It broadens your potential pool of applicants, provides reassurance that your organisation is focused on EDI and supports legislation surrounding equal and fair hiring practices.
A genuine commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is more important now than ever and a well-crafted EDI statement as part of your job advert is not just a formal declaration, but a reflection of your organisation’s values, culture and commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
Let’s look at why an authentic EDI statement matters and how it can positively impact your organisation.
Why an EDI Statement Matters
An EDI statement serves as a public commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Whilst they differ in style, length and tone, it should communicate to current and potential employees that your organisation values diversity and is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. This not only helps to attract a broader range of candidates and secure top talent, but also builds a sense of trust and belonging among your organisation’s existing staff.
Enhancing Employee Engagement and Retention
ACAS tell us that “Employees who feel valued and included are proven to be engaged and committed to their work, having a positive impact on the success of your organisation”.
An authentic EDI statement can enhance employee morale by making individuals feel recognised and respected for their unique contributions. This is crucial for retaining top talent, as employees are more likely to stay with an organisation where they feel their diversity is celebrated and their voices are heard.
Driving Innovation and Performance
Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives, skills and experiences, which can lead to more innovative solutions, creative problem solving and better decision-making. If your organisation embraces EDI, you will be better positioned to leverage the full potential of your workforce, driving higher performance and achieving better business outcomes. A genuine EDI statement underscores this commitment, encouraging diverse thinking and fostering a culture of creativity.
Building a Positive Employer Brand
A strong EDI statement can significantly enhance your organisation’s reputation and a candidate’s perception of what it may be like to work for them. Demonstrating a commitment to EDI can set your organisation apart as a desirable place to work, showcasing to potential candidates that they understand the issues faced by diverse communities and take steps to address them. This positive perception can attract top talent, customers and partners who share your values, contributing to long-term success and increasing your organisation’s social value.
Steps to Creating an Authentic EDI Statement
Creating an effective EDI statement involves more than just idealistic goals and nice sounding words on a page.
Here are some key steps to ensure your statement is authentic and impactful:
Firstly, ensure that your organisation’s EDI statement reflects your values: Your EDI statement should authentically align with your organisation’s core values and mission, reflecting a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. Candidates can spot a generic, low effort statement a mile off!
Secondly, be specific! Include concrete, actionable goals and initiatives that demonstrate how your organisation plans to realistically achieve its EDI objectives. This might involve diversity training, recruitment practices or implementing support networks for underrepresented groups.
Third, involve your team by including current employees in the creation of your EDI statement. Their input can provide valuable insights and ensure the statement resonates with the entire organisation, ensuring an accurate and honest statement.
Lastly, regularly review and update your organisation’s EDI statement. These statements should not be static, and can be regularly revisited, reviewed and updated to reflect the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion and to incorporate feedback from employees and stakeholders.
Writing inclusive, effective job adverts is a critical part of the recruitment process and the team at Webrecruit has significant experience in the creation on adverts that meet the needs of a wide audience. For a discussion about how Webrecruit can help your organisation with advertising campaigns and support the achievement of your EDI goals, get in touch with one of our associates today.
