“Companies with a positive culture had 33% higher revenue and 50% lower turnover rates.” - Columbia University
healthcare recruitment strategies
across all industries. In the healthcare sector, these recruitment strategies are crucial for creating a workforce reflective of the diverse populations that healthcare professionals serve.Healthcare staffing agencies
have a unique opportunity to develop and implement DE&I recruitment strategies that will benefit their clients and candidates alike. Let’s explore some effective DE&I recruitment strategies for medical staffing agencies.Why DE&I Recruitment Strategies Matter in Healthcare Staffing?
In today's increasingly diverse society, it is crucial for healthcare organizations to have a diverse and inclusive workforce. Patients from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds may feel more comfortable seeking care from healthcare providers who share similar cultural experiences and understand their unique health needs. Moreover, many studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.
Furthermore, healthcare organizations are often underrepresented by certain demographics, such as women and people of color, in leadership positions. A diverse workforce can lead to more equitable career opportunities for underrepresented groups, ultimately leading to more diverse leadership in the industry. Let's check out an example of the healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson:
Johnson & Johnson has put into place a variety of DE&I initiatives, including a devotion to engaging diverse talent, inclusive leadership development, and employee resource groups based on various communities.
Effective DE&I Recruitment Strategies for Healthcare Staffing Agencies
Partner with Professional Organizations for Diverse Talent
Healthcare staffing firms can collaborate with professional organizations that support underserved communities in healthcare, such as the National Black Nurses Association or the National Hispanic Medical Association. For diverse candidates interested in a career in healthcare, these organizations can act as a pipeline. Healthcare staffing companies can access a pool of competent and varied applicants by collaborating with these groups, some of whom may not have been taken into account in the past.
Educate hiring management to identify unconscious bias
discriminatory recruitment practices
that exclude diverse candidates. Healthcare staffing agencies can train hiring executives on unconscious bias and provide them with the tools to make more objective hiring decisions. By giving hiring managers the necessary training, healthcare staffing agencies can ensure they are recruiting the best candidates for the job regardless of their background.Create a Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Agencies can create a diversity and inclusion committee of employees from various backgrounds. This committee can provide input on DE&I recruitment strategies and help ensure that the agency meets its diversity and inclusion goals. By involving employees from diverse backgrounds in the recruitment process, they can improve their understanding of the needs of diverse candidates.
Develop Diversity-Focused Recruitment Programs
They can develop recruitment programs that focus on recruiting diverse candidates. For example, they can partner with schools and universities with a high percentage of underrepresented groups in their student populations. By targeting them, agencies can tap into a pool of diverse candidates interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
Offer Diversity Training for Clients
They can offer diversity training for their clients to help them create a more inclusive workplace. By providing clients with the necessary tools to create a diverse and inclusive work environment, agencies can help ensure that their candidates work in an environment that values and supports diversity.