Economic inclusion is loosely defined as the opening up of economic opportunities to previously under-served social groups. Broadening talent pools to cast a wider net when hiring is one tactic to promote economic inclusion and diversify an organization’s workforce - not just because it is good for business but because it is morally the right thing to do. Anchor institutions such as universities or hospitals that are rooted in their local communities can do so much more to positively promote and influence economic inclusion. Here are some action steps that organizations can take to implement an economic inclusion initiative:
Gather information on job-postings to identify positions that are being posted most frequently. These can flag areas of work or divisions that are growing quickly at your organization and which therefore represent opportunities for locally-focused and employer-customized recruitment, training, and placement programs. It is helpful to collaborate with colleagues in the institution who would have the best awareness of job openings being posted, and how frequently. Staying connected to decision-makers leading divisions that do a lot of hiring will help you become aware of these opportunities.
In our training programs, we take advantage of federal and state program funding available through our city’s workforce-access agency. This funding provides us with six months of wage reimbursement for recruits in a customized training program, and the salary savings we experience can help us sell the program to colleagues.