The recruitment industry is currently facing a significant challenge in fostering inclusive environments, according to a new report by Recite Me - Breaking Barriers: Inclusive Hiring for All. Despite growing awareness around diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace, the survey of job seekers and recruiters reveals that significant gaps still exist in making the recruitment process accessible to all.
The report points to a lack of accessibility measures and inclusivity practices that leave many candidates feeling overlooked. This failure to create a truly equitable recruitment process is having a real-world impact, with candidates admitting they abandon applications due to accessibility barriers.
For employers and recruiters, this points to a huge missed opportunity. A staggering 94% of recruiters believe their organisations are committed to attracting diverse talent, yet there is a disconnect between intention and action. A lack of accessibility features, inaccessible forms and job advertisements are a huge barrier to many individuals.
The report also shows that inclusive recruitment is a business necessity. Organisations that fail to implement accessible recruitment processes risk losing out on talent, with 62% of employees turning down a job offer from an organisation that didn’t prioritise inclusion.
Key recommendations from the report include improving website and application platform accessibility, offering flexible job descriptions, and integrating assistive technology to ensure that all candidates have equal opportunities throughout the hiring journey. The implementation of these practices is crucial for creating a more inclusive and productive workforce.
The findings of this report underline an urgent need for the recruitment industry to reevaluate its approach to inclusivity. To truly close the gap, organisations must not only make D&I a priority on paper but also take actionable steps to remove the barriers that many candidates face daily. Only by embracing inclusivity in its fullest sense can the recruitment sector hope to meet the evolving needs of today's diverse workforce.
Read the full report here - Breaking Barriers Inclusive Hiring for All