Female and minority job-searchers look for diversity in the workplace

6 February 2001 -

One-third of survey respondents have eliminated companies that lacked gender and ethnic diversity from employment consideration.

Actions speak louder than words, when it comes to diversity according to results of a WetFeet study - Diversity Recruitment Report 2001. The study for the recruitment specialists found that 16% of respondents were looking for a diverse workforce as a significant pointer to an organization's commitment to diversity. And a third of respondents indicated that they would not consider employment in a company that did not demonstrate gender or ethnic diversity. African American candidates showed an even higher degree of reluctance, with 44% of those surveyed reported to have dismissed a company on that basis.

"Improvement in diversity recruiting is one of the highest priorities of companies today -- and it's driven by their recognition that a diverse workforce will strengthen their organization and increase their business success," said Steve Pollock, president of WetFeet. "However, our research shows that companies that are the most successful in this area utilize creative recruitment practices, supported by a strong track record of deployment and promotion of diversity employees within their organizations."

WetFeet's Diversity Recruitment Report 2001 is based on a survey of 748 female and minority candidates and interviews with 12 leading corporations on their diversity recruitment practices. The report explores career expectations, job search methods and effective recruitment messaging and is designed to help companies develop more effective recruitment strategies. Other findings from WetFeet's Diversity Recruitment Report 2001 include:

Diverse Candidates are Most Motivated by the Opportunity for Advancement and Competitive Compensation

95% of repondents rated 'opportunity for advancement' as 'very' or 'extremely' motivating to an employment decision. 92% rated competitive compensation and 91% rated comprehensive benefits as 'very' or 'extremely' motivating. Accordingly, one-third of respondents looked at the make up of a company's executive team and employees as key indicators of that company's commitment to diversity.

Women and Men are Influenced by Different Value Propositions

Women place higher value than men on flexible work arrangements, comprehensive benefits and vacation time. 57% of female repondents rated comprehensive benefits as 'extremely motivating' to an employment decision, whereas just 39% of men did. 52% of women were seeking work-life balance initiatives, in comparison to 38% of men. Finally, 42% of women were motivated by generous vacation time against 28% of men surveyed.

Diverse Candidates are in Demand

The war for experienced candidates is still a top concern for companies. Candidates surveyed interview with an average of 4.7 companies and receive 2.3 job offers.

The Internet is a Key Job Searching Tool

The Internet remains the most popular job search tool for candidates. 70% of respondents use corporate websites to search for jobs with 67% using general job posting websites. Female and minority candidates preferred general job posting and employment sites, with just 13% of respondents using diversity specific websites.

WetFeet's Diversity Recruitment Report 2001 is available as PDF file at http://www.wetfeet.com/corporate/diversity.asp for $995. Highlights of the report, including an Executive Summary, are available at the same URL free of charge.