9962 recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce · recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce...
TRANSCRIPT
8/30/2015
1
Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Workforce
AbdulRasak YahayaMember, APWA Diversity CommitteeStaff EngineerCity of Gardner, KS
AGENDA
APWA AND DIVERSITYTHE HISTORY, PRESENT AND FUTURE
DIVE IN:Diversity, Inclusion, Value, Educate, Improve, Now
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
RECRUITING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE
RETAINING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE
QUESTIONS
2
“The American Public Works Association recognizes, appreciates
and fosters the synergy which is created when the work
environment values the differences in individuals and practices
inclusiveness and open communication.”
3
8/30/2015
2
APWA AND DIVERSITY (HISTORY)
Board adopted the policy in 1995
Created committee to foster the idea of Diversity
among members
Developed resource guides: Volume I and II
Wrote articles for Reporter and Bridges
Programs at congress
Diversity awareness to chapters through liaison
4
APWA AND DIVERSITY (PRESENT & FUTURE)
Chapter outreach
Member education
Women in public works
Younger members
Generational differences
Diversity Exemplary Practices Award
5
DIVE IN DIVERSITY
INCLUSION
VALUE
EDUCATE
IMPROVE
NOW
90% of an iceberg’s mass is
underwater6
8/30/2015
3
DIVE IN: DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, VALUE , EDUCATE, IMPROVE & NOW
DIVERSITY: The variety of differences and experiences that makes each of us valuable to the team.
ACTION: Share your story: Think reality TV, just without the drama
7
DIVE IN: DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, VALUE , EDUCATE, IMPROVE & NOW
INCLUSION: Creating an environment that invites participation and encourages mutual respect and sensitivity for everyone.
ACTION: Be fun, not boring!Activities that include food or collectively support a good cause
8
DIVE IN: DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, VALUE , EDUCATE, IMPROVE & NOW
VALUE: Find common values that bring people together rather than isolate and exclude.
ACTION: Recognize the People!Newsletters highlighting activities outside of work
9
8/30/2015
4
DIVE IN: DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, VALUE , EDUCATE, IMPROVE & NOW
EDUCATE: Encourage sharing of different cultures and values with the approach of seeking to understand and not forcing to accept.
ACTION: Be Aware, Be Active.Acknowledge non -traditionalholidays and practices
10
DIVE IN: DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, VALUE , EDUCATE, IMPROVE & NOW
IMPROVE: Forming and strengthening relationships is a constant improvement process.
ACTION: Keep focus broad!The differences among similargroups are sometimes larger then expected
11
DIVE IN: DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, VALUE , EDUCATE, IMPROVE & NOW
NOW: Moving toward solutions now, is in many situations the best course of action.
ACTION: Do Something!It can be as simple as talking to your coworker or as big as starting a Diversity committee
12
8/30/2015
5
13
“Our Diversity strengthens us, our inclusion advances us!”
~ anonymous
14
Diversify Your Team
A diverse team brings together a broad spectrum of talents and are better equipped to creatively solve problems
15
8/30/2015
6
Advantages of Workplace Diversity
Increased productivity Adds a competitive edge Improved staff loyalty and retention
16
Advantages of Workplace Diversity
Attract new customers, employees, and business partners
Reduced litigation expenses and discrimination lawsuits
Businesses that embrace diversity have a more solid footing in the marketplace than others
17
18
8/30/2015
7
Learn what the current trends are
Social Media Racial and Ethnic Diversity Different Generational Work Groups
19
What are the trends
Social Media
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Different Generational Work groups
20
Who is the best candidate?
Organization to mirror your community’s demographics
Invest in young professionals
21
8/30/2015
8
Where do you find candidates?
• Partnerships with local community colleges and technical schools
• Career Day events
• Project Lead the Way/STEM curriculum
• K-12 Outreach Committees
22
How Do You Recruit with Diversity?
Cast a broad net
Social media
Word of mouth “ Your Brand”
Student internships
23
24
8/30/2015
9
Commitment to Diversity
Involve all staff
Survey and interview across demographics
Determine employee needs
Create and implement a strategic plan for retention
Follow through
25
Mentoring & Training
Mentoring
• Support new employees beyond their first week
• Share experiences and serve as a sounding board
Training
• Cross-cultural teamwork to help staff work well together
• Understanding and empathy of different points of view
• Don’t assume training needs – ask!
26
Support upward mobility
Make promotion opportunities transparent and open to diverse applicants – not just hierarchal
Provide leadership and career development training
27
8/30/2015
10
Avoid “tokenism”
Encourage involvement on committees or in decision-making groups based on employees interests and strengths, not their diversity
28
Be open-minded
Don’t assume that “the way it’s always been” is the best way
Find out what is working and what is not
New ideas and perspectives can bring innovation and solve problems
29
Respect differences
Recognize that culture the and values of other people are just as valid and important to them as yours are to you
30
8/30/2015
11
Open Discussion
31
References Thompson, George. “Strategies for
Retaining Diverse Employees.” Diversitycouncil.org. Web. 26 March 2014
“Retaining a Diverse Staff: Techniques that Work in a Multicultural Organization.” Hcareers.com. Web. 26 March 2014
Lieberman, Simma. “Moving Beyond the Numbers: How to Recruit and Retain a Diverse Workforce.” simmalieberman.com. Web. 26 March 2014
32
References “Ten Keys to Successful Diversity Recruiting.” Diverse
Workplace, Inc. 2003
“Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow.” Executive Office of the President Council of Economic Advisers, July 2009
“The State of Diversity in Today’s Workforce.” Center for American Progress, July 2012
“Analysis and Benchmarking of Recruitment and Hiring Practices of State Departments of Transportation.” Barbara T. Harder, B. T. Harder, Inc., as requested by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), November 29, 2006
Special thanks to Humberto R. Martinez, National Construction Career Day Center, FHWA-retired
33
8/30/2015
12
AbdulRasak Yahaya
Staff Engineer, City of Gardner, KS
Member, APWA Diversity Committee
913-856-0920
34