More than three in four jobseekers would reject them without it
Employers in Singapore risk missing out on great talent if they don't prioritise their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) strategies, a new report has warned.
Findings from Indeed's latest survey revealed that 78% of jobseekers would decline a job offer if they think the employer does not prioritise an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
"Employers who don't prioritise fair hiring and DEIB are losing key talent — or missing out altogether," said Rachael Townsley, Marketing Director, Indeed APAC, in a statement.
The findings are in line with recent research that underscored how employees would turn down a job offer if an organisation does not have programmes supporting underrepresented groups.
Importance of culture
In Singapore, employers recognise the importance of fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion at work.
In fact, more than half of employers in the poll said factors that create a better working environment include a culture of growth (54%), culture of support (53%), and a culture of collaboration (51%).
Despite these findings, only 29% of employers are implementing diverse hiring. Less than three in 10 organisations are also implementing team-building exercises and social activities or workplace perks.
"We know four in five (78%) jobseekers now prioritise a company's reputation more than they would have a year ago. This indicates a pressing need for business leaders to address these issues swiftly and effectively," Townsley said.
Importance of appearances
The findings also underscore the growing need for employers to look at how jobseekers are perceiving them, as 81% of jobseekers admit that they rely on employee reviews and feedback when researching potential employers.
Nearly half of candidates (45%) also said they would be more inclined to apply for a company with positive online reviews, while 36% admitted that they would try harder at interviews when applying for such organisations.
"It is now clear more than ever that HR leaders must make every effort to ensure the perception of their organisation - laid bare in online review forums by former workers - is taken seriously, as it could be the difference when looking to outcompete a rival for the best talent in Singapore," Townsley said.
