Putting Ethics at the Core of Recruitment

Building an ethical brand that attracts and retains top talent goes beyond just offering competitive pay and benefits; it requires a deep and genuine commitment to integrating core values into every aspect of your business

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on SME News

Recruiting the right talent can be a significant challenge for small businesses. While offering competitive pay and flexible working conditions is important, research shows that many employees today are also drawn to ethical companies. So, how can SMEs prioritise ethics in their recruitment process?

Inclusive Company Culture

McKinsey’s research on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) highlights that it will take over 150 years to close the global economic gender gap. Despite this, studies show that 63% of employees, across all age groups, look for DEI programs when selecting an employer. For businesses aiming to attract ethically minded talent, demonstrating progress and driving positive change in DEI is essential. Actively showcasing the steps you’re taking to foster an inclusive workplace will significantly enhance your appeal to prospective employees.

Driving positive change

In today’s workplace, employees increasingly base their career decisions on how well an organisation aligns with their personal values. They want to be involved in something that reflects those values and makes a positive impact on the world. By genuinely committing to meaningful causes and highlighting your business’s role in social responsibility, you can greatly increase your attractiveness to potential hires.

Provide Career Development

For any business looking to build a strong reputation as an ethical recruiter, prioritising career progression is essential. Clear and equitable career pathways not only attract top talent but also improve employee retention. Ethical companies focus on a candidate’s attitude, willingness to learn, and potential, rather than just their current experience or background. By providing meaningful opportunities to all individuals, businesses can build trust and loyalty, leading to greater long-term employee retention.

Thinking long term

Creating an ethical brand that not only attracts top talent but also retains them over the long term involves more than a superficial commitment to doing the right thing. It requires embedding core values into every facet of the business. This means cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion, implementing sustainable practices in operations and ensuring a healthy work-life balance for employees.