Filling the Jobs Gap and Fulfilling Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

July 09, 2019
Press Release
Diversity and Inclusion
Read time: 3 mins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kathryn Klopfer, [email protected] | 262.696.3426
Filling the Jobs Gap and Fulfilling Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

MILWAUKEE, WI (July 9, 2019) – With unemployment at its lowest rates in history, employers are most concerned with how to bridge the jobs gap and find needed employees. The jobs are available and so are the employees. Employers just need to find a way to connect available jobs with the right candidates.   

In Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, the Bureau of Labor reports a less than 3 percent unemployment rate. With unemployment so low and economic growth increasing, how and where employers will find employees is the critical question area business leaders are asking. In addition, not only do employers need to fill jobs, but they need to fill jobs with specific and advanced skill sets, which only increases the jobs gap further.

MRA – The Management Association’s recent Hot Topic survey shows companies are finding ways to fill their job gaps, while also fulfilling diversity and inclusion goals. This is having a significant impact on individuals, businesses and the community. 

“If you want a diverse and inclusive workforce, you need to start with your workplace culture,” said Susan Fronk, president and CEO of MRA. “It’s difficult to recruit diverse employees if processes are not in place to support them.”

According to MRA’s Diversity & Inclusion Survey, organizations are taking steps to increase diversity and focus on inclusion. In fact, 87 percent of respondents are supportive of all dimensions of diversity within their work environments. As shown by MRA’s survey data, diversity and inclusion initiatives correlate to positive business benefits. Responding companies indicated:

  • 56% increased job satisfaction and engagement
  • 53% showed increased collaboration
  • 52% indicated a positive company public image

“Diversity and inclusion are important business strategies to compete in the marketplace and to attract and retain talent,” added Fronk.

To reduce the jobs gap, MRA suggests companies:

  • Incorporate diversity into the hiring process at all levels and implement a strategic D&I initiative within their organization.
  • Be an inclusive workplace, which might also mean looking at non-traditional candidates such as: veterans, former incarcerated people, retirees, or individuals with unique abilities. Consider incorporating individualized training to ensure long-term success, which, in turn will help create a dedicated and committed work group.
  • Determine ways to connect those looking for jobs with opportunities to help make job access easier, such as providing transportation to worksites or creating flexible work schedules to accommodate more employee needs.
  • Offer benefits that are important to the individual employee. Be more flexible and creative to attract the talent needed. “A benefit is not a benefit if the employee does not think it is a benefit,” said Fronk.

“It is possible to reduce the jobs gap AND increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which would truly be a win for all!” added Fronk.

###

About MRA – The Management Association: Founded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves 4,000 employers, covering more than one million employees worldwide. As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its members thrive by offering comprehensive HR services, talent management, learning and organization development opportunities, and total rewards planning. MRA helps organizations build a successful workplace and powerful workforce. Headquartered in Waukesha, WI, MRA has regional offices in Palatine, IL; Moline, IL; and Plymouth, MN. To learn more about MRA, visit www.mranet.org.