While more than two-thirds (69 per cent) of employers say the macroeconomic environment is negatively impacting recruitment, three-quarters (74 per cent) say it hasn’t reduced the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the hiring process, according to a new report by LinkedIn.
The report analyzed data from millions of LinkedIn members, as well as survey responses from more than 2,000 recruiting professionals. When LinkedIn members were asked how they’d like to see organizations be more inclusive of under-represented groups, increasing professional development and advancement opportunities was the No. 1 answer in several countries, including Brazil, India, Italy, Japan and Mexico.
“DEI is a priority to the next generation of employees,” said DEI strategist Tana M. Sessions, in a press release. “Their expectation is to see leaders who look like them and to know organizations are committed to DEI long term — not only during times of social crisis.”
Read: 42% of Canadian employers expecting obstacles in recruiting, retaining skilled workers: report
The report noted generation Z employees are 17 per cent more likely than generation X to prioritize inclusive workplaces. They’re also 47 per cent more likely than gen-Xers to prioritize opportunities to advance at their current workplace and 45 per cent more likely to prioritize opportunities to develop new skills.
It also found competitive compensation is the No. 1 priority for job seekers, followed by work-life balance and flexible working arrangements. However, just 45 per cent of recruiting professionals said their organization is increasing salaries to keep pace with inflation.
In addition, nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of recruiting professionals said, relative to recent years, the next five years will be more favourable to employees as opposed to employers.
Read: Employers offering mix of incentives, upskilling amid labour shortage: survey