Younger Americans seeking work have more than pay and benefits on their minds. Over the past ten years, highly educated and younger professionals have increasingly prioritized their values when deciding where to work. That could be diversity, environmental concerns, philanthropy, or social impact.They’re looking for employers who do more than talk about a commitment to change, they make change happen, reports the Washington Post. Organizations may:

• Hire a more diverse workforce
• Help employees of color progress
• Give employees more decision-making power
• Facilitate conversations about systemic racism

Bad Past Experiences Impact the Search for the Next Job

Employers may have a hard time recruiting if they deny systemic racism exists. These are difficult conversations some applicants expect to have. A Glassdoor survey released in September reported:

• 76% of employees and job seekers stated a diverse workforce was important when evaluating employers and job offers
• 47% of Black and 49% of Hispanic employees and job seekers stated they left a job after witnessing or experiencing discrimination
• 37% of employees and job seekers said they won’t apply for a job at a company that had bad ratings by people of color

Past recessions left young job seekers eager to take available jobs. It’s more complicated now. Companies brand themselves as being more engaged with many issues and applicants want to be part of it. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) since 2008 has asked new graduates to rank the importance of workforce diversity. It ranked 12th out of 15 options the first year. By 2020, it was seventh out of 19 options. More than 79% of respondents said diversity was “very important.”

Colleges Shape the Future Workforce

College career offices are increasingly setting expectations with recruiters. An employer just going through the motions on societal issues may not be endorsed by college placement offices. College career centers also encourage students to be honest about their needs. They give workshops on how to be authentic at work with discussions about hair and accommodating disabilities.Career counselors want students to avoid taking a job, finding an unfriendly environment, then leaving a short time later. Students are more comfortable asking employers about diversity and inclusion. Responses that show a lack of comfort or reluctance to talk about it are red flags warning applicants away.Employers are less resistant to these questions because they understand the importance of a good cultural fit. It boosts productivity and longevity. Employers realize that job seekers from underrepresented groups have something of an upper hand because of the interest in a more diverse workforce.

Take the Next Steps

As much as society and employers benefit from a diverse workforce, it shouldn’t be obtained by reverse discrimination against job or promotion applicants by illegally denying them opportunities. This is the tight rope walk employers who seek diversity face.If you have questions about employment discrimination law or believe your employer is breaking the law, contact our Kingston law offices. You may reach us online, via email (hisaacs@kingstonlawgroup.com), or by phone (609-683-7400).We will schedule a near-term, reduced fee, initial consultation. It will be protected by social distance and masks, through Zoom, or on the phone. You can pay with a credit card and we have appointments from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening appointments during the week are available by pre-arrangement only. Contact us today. You’ll be glad you did.