The old idea of hiring for “cultural fit” is losing its appeal. Building a truly diverse and successful team goes beyond simply finding people who fit seamlessly into your existing company culture. As a small business owner, you know how important it is to welcome different viewpoints and create a team that celebrates individuality. By shifting your focus from “cultural fit” to “cultural add,” you’re opening doors to a richer company culture, sparking innovation, and setting your business up for success.
The Problems with Hiring for “Cultural Fit”
While the concept of cultural fit might seem reasonable, it carries risks that can hurt your efforts to create a diverse and inclusive environment. When you prioritise candidates who easily blend in with your current team, you unintentionally create an echo chamber where new ideas and perspectives struggle to take root.
Plus, deciding who’s a good cultural fit can be subjective and biased. Personal preferences, like “who would I rather have a pint with,” can sneak into the decision-making process, leading you to overlook candidates who could bring valuable skills and experience.
The Power of Cultural Add: Diversity as Your Secret Weapon
Unlike the limitations of cultural fit, cultural add recognises the amazing power of diversity. By actively looking for candidates who bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills, you’re fostering an environment where innovation, creativity, and adaptability thrive.
Plenty of research backs up the positive link between diversity and business success. Studies show that companies with a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds are more likely to outperform their competitors financially. Similarly, employees in diverse companies are more likely to report growth in market share and expansion into new markets.
By embracing cultural add, your small business can access a wider pool of talent, gain a competitive advantage, and achieve sustainable growth in an ever-changing market.
Revamping Your Recruitment Process for Cultural Add
Moving from a cultural fit mindset to a cultural add approach means giving your recruitment strategies a makeover. Here are some practical steps to build a diverse and inclusive team:
Optimizing Job Descriptions
- Analyse Language: Use tools to improve your job descriptions. Make sure they’re free from biased language that might discourage certain candidates.
- Use Gender-Neutral Terminology: Write job postings with gender-neutral language. Avoid words that could seem to favour a particular gender or group.
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Instead of focusing only on specific industry experience, emphasise the transferable skills. This opens doors for candidates from different backgrounds.
Expanding Recruitment Outreach
- Diverse Campus Recruitment: Reach out to universities with diverse student populations, including those that serve specific communities or groups.
- Leverage Community Partnerships: Connect with local organisations and groups that support underrepresented communities. Tap into their networks and spread the word about your job opportunities.
- Explore Alternative Talent Pipelines: Look for talent in non-traditional places, like coding bootcamps or vocational training programs, to find hidden gems.
Revamping Interviewing Techniques
- Blind CV Screening: Remove names and other identifying details from resumes to prevent unconscious bias in the initial review.
- Diverse Interview Panels: Create interview panels that reflect the diverse candidates you want to attract. This ensures a range of perspectives and reduces individual bias.
- Competency-Based / Skills-Based Selection: Train your recruiters to focus on identifying the core skills needed for the job. Do not overly rely on subjective cultural assessments.
Fostering an Inclusive Culture and Retaining Diverse Talent
Hiring for cultural add is just the beginning. Keeping and supporting a diverse team is equally important. Here are some ways to create an inclusive and welcoming environment:
- Employee Engagement Surveys: Regularly conduct anonymous surveys to understand how your employees feel, identify areas for improvement, and address any concerns about inclusion.
- Mentorship and Career Development: Offer mentorship programs and career development opportunities that give everyone equal chances for growth and advancement.
- Team Resource Groups: Encourage the creation of groups that cater to the diverse needs and interests of your employees, fostering a sense of community and support.
- Inclusive Leadership Training: Provide training for managers and leaders, teaching them how to lead diverse teams effectively and promote inclusive practices.
- Celebrate Diversity: Actively celebrate the diversity in your company with events and initiatives that highlight different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
Measuring Success and Continuous Improvement
As with any plan, it’s important to track your progress. Regularly assess key indicators like:
- Diversity Representation: Monitor the demographics of your workforce at different levels.
- Retention and Turnover Rates: Track employee retention and turnover across different groups.
- Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Evaluate how engaged and satisfied your employees are.
- Innovation and Creativity Metrics: Measure how your diverse team impacts innovation and problem-solving.
- Business Performance: Analyze key business indicators to see the tangible benefits of your cultural add strategy.
By constantly reviewing and adjusting your approach, you can stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of your workforce and the competitive business landscape.
Conclusion
Embracing a cultural add mindset isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a smart business move that can take your small business to new heights. By actively seeking out diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills, you’re creating a workplace that fosters innovation, creativity, and adaptability—the building blocks of lasting success.
Building a truly inclusive and diverse team is an ongoing journey that requires commitment and a willingness to learn and grow. By following the strategies in this article, you can unlock the power of cultural add, cultivate a thriving workforce, and set your small business up for long-term success.
