19 MAY2022IN THE HYBRID INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE, IT IS CRITICAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT EVERYONE IS EXPERIENCING A VERY PERSONAL AND DIFFERENT SITUATION AND THAT EVERYONE'S CHALLENGE IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERhome, and many went back to their hometowns, living with their families and being still able to work remotely. This made employees question the need to return to physical offices full-time. As a result, there was a demand for either remote working or a hybrid model, yet another opportunity for employers to seriously look at expanding the pool of geographies for hiring and not restrict to the usual cities and the opportunity to work remotely or hybrid as a true differentiator to attract talent. How do we solve for hiring diverse, experienced candidates? First, training the hiring leaders on a good interview process is crucial. Besides a diverse lineup of candidates, a diverse interviewing panel is essential to derive the results. It takes conscious and purpose-driven bold steps to decide a position cannot be closed until one woman or diverse candidate has been interviewed. WHAT CAN WE DO DIFFERENTLY TO RETAIN EMPLOYEES?Diversity will not thrive in a company where the culture is not inclusive. In the hybrid inclusive workplace, it is critical to acknowledge that everyone is experiencing a very personal and different situation and that everyone's challenge is slightly different from the other. As leaders, we may have different experiences, but focusing on how we can play an individual to their absolute best, offer a sense of belonging, and show their impact is essential. Offer flexibility at the workplace and manage teams with compassion and empathy.Employees are looking for challenging opportunities and a sense of purpose in their work. In addition, they expect a nurturing atmosphere, flexible working hours, and an excellent work-life balance. To attract, companies can consider avoiding strict hierarchies and micromanagement. Continued focus and investment in upskilling and reskilling is the new norm. It includes skills-based training for recent college graduates who are not fully ready for the workplace and equip existing workers with new capabilities, particularly with the evolution of digital transformation and technology reliance. Handhold the employees while making them stronger to carve their career path. As unfavorable as it sounds, the war for talent is real and happening. However, with diversity and inclusion, we can gradually control the intensity. It entails everyone to lean-in for an inclusive future where everyone has a purpose and experiences growth to their full potential. We can all be a bridge and make a difference.
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