Last week a few of our team members had the opportunity to attend a hiring event hosted by the Autism Society of North Carolina, helping areas businesses and employers understand and connect with workers on the spectrum. The event was very timely as it was Autism Acceptance Month, but also because Diamond Brand is always looking for new ways to innovate and improve.
In the training, we learned that 85% of college-educated adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed. We intend to help! Our partnership with the Autism Society will be evolving in the coming months, and in the meantime wanted to take a moment to reflect on the significance of diversity and inclusion in our commitment to a triple bottom line — people, planet, prosperity.
At Diamond Brand, we believe that diversity and inclusion are critical drivers of innovation and success. In this post we will delve into the pivotal role of hiring for diversity, especially in the manufacturing sector where industry challenges are becoming more apparent every day.
Building the Future of Manufacturing with The Power of Diversity
The manufacturing industry has been plagued with a long history of unethical and inhumane labor practices but now there’s another threat: A growing skills gap. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the manufacturing sector is projected to face 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.
This skills gap is due to a variety of factors: advancing technology and automation, an outdated social perception that manufacturing jobs are low-paying and unfulfilling, and the widespread retirement of a workforce of baby boomers in manufacturing, leading to a lack of institutional knowledge and making it challenging for companies to maintain the same level of quality and productivity.
In order to overcome these challenges there needs to be a multi-tiered strategic approach to workforce development and recruitment from businesses. First, by investing in quality training and upskilling programs and partnerships. Second, promoting manufacturing jobs as fulfilling and well-paying careers. And lastly and perhaps most importantly, recruiting with diversity and inclusion at the top of mind.
Overcoming Industry Challenges & Unconscious Bias
Diversity refers to the identity composition of the workforce and encompasses varied perspectives and approaches to work that different groups bring. In contrast, Inclusion refers to the culture that empowers diverse employees to be successful. Both of these are essential for sustainable business growth, building a workforce that spans across all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds, but also in neurological differences, cognitive variations, and sensory needs.
In order to do this well, companies must first mitigate unconscious biases toward diverse candidates and teams. Reducing bias and overcoming internal challenges and barriers will help to revamp and customize their hiring recruitment strategies. This must be an ongoing effort and commitment, which requires the support of top-down leadership. Here are some great tips and techniques for organizations to reduce and correct biases and create more equitable hiring processes.
Strategies for Successful Workforce Diversity
Companies must modernize their hiring policies and practices, in every step of the process, from candidate sourcing to screening. This means…
- showcasing workplace diversity on marketing and recruitment materials
- rewording job postings to be more inclusive of all types of workers and learners
- interviewing and evaluating candidates in a more personalized way
- onboarding and training with greater mindfulness
- offering greater support, resources, and freedom to accommodate diverse candidates. Key changes include flexible schedules, overcommunication policies, and sensory accommodations.
Lastly, employers must also monitor and measure their success, regularly evaluating key performance indicators: Representation, Retention, Recruitment, Advancement, Selection, and Promotion.
Of course, hiring for diversity also requires many soft skills: openness, empathy, curiosity, compassion, and respect. By facing our differences with awareness, acceptance, and grace, we can create a work culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
All of these changes can feel cumbersome and daunting, especially for companies with small teams or limited resources. Thankfully there are recruitment agencies and organizations that specialize in identifying diverse talent, implementing inclusive hiring practices, and ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws can be particularly helpful for any businesses seeking to grow sustainably and responsibly.
Why We Hire for Diversity – and You Should Too
Diamond Brand is an equal opportunity employer, which means we do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We not only value diversity at our company, but we are also confident that the most inclusive and diverse teams accomplish the most extraordinary results.
We believe that living and working in intentionally diverse communities isn’t just a valuable skill; it’s an opportunity for growth and learning. When each member of the group is given a clear purpose and a sense of belonging, we can avoid a culture of either exclusion or assimilation.
Because of this, diversity hiring is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move for businesses. There are several proven benefits and advantages for businesses to embrace diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector. Here’s why Diamond Brand hires with diversity in mind, and why you should too!
Benefits of Hiring for Diversity in Manufacturing
Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
A diverse workforce brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, leading to a richer pool of ideas and solutions. Individuals with unique cognitive skills, such as pattern recognition, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving abilities can be valuable in various roles and industries. Diverse individuals may approach tasks and challenges differently, leading to innovative solutions and efficiency approaches that homogenous teams might overlook.
Diverse teams encourage varied approaches to problem-solving, resulting in more comprehensive and effective solutions. Diverse teams also tend to make better decisions by considering a wider range of perspectives and mitigating biases that can affect judgment. Accommodating many types of employees can encourage variability in work environments and practices, fostering a culture of adaptability and inclusivity.
A neurodivergent recruitment program run by JPMorgan Chase reported perfect accuracy among new hires in specific tech roles and up to 140 percent higher productivity than more experienced workers.
Enhanced Reputation and Retention
Companies known for their commitment to diversity and inclusion often attract top talent and enjoy a positive reputation in their communities and industries. Employees are more likely to feel valued and engaged when they work in an inclusive environment where their contributions are recognized and respected, leading to higher retention rates.
Embracing greater diversity sends a powerful message about a workplace’s sense of inclusion and acceptance, contributing to a positive and supportive organizational culture for all employees. This means boosted communication and connection, and improved team dynamics. Gallup’s State of the American Workplace Report provides more insights here.
Improved Financial Performance
In 2020, a McKinsey & Company report found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams were 36% more likely to experience above-average profitability. Similarly, a Boston Consulting Group report suggests that companies with more diverse management teams generate more revenue from innovative products and services. Over time this can even boost the economy! Harvard’s “The Business Case for Racial Equity” report highlights how closing racial gaps in income, education, housing, and other areas could lead to significant GDP growth.
Of course, embracing diversity and inclusion also helps companies comply with legal requirements and regulations related to equal employment opportunities and anti-discrimination laws.
By prioritizing diversity and inclusion in hiring practices, companies can unlock these benefits and create stronger, more resilient, and more successful organizations. All in all, a diverse workforce fosters a more vibrant work environment, driving greater competitiveness, progress, and profitability in the industry.
US Chamber of Commerce
“Diverse and inclusive businesses outperform their homogeneous competitors in innovation, employee retention, talent recruitment, profit, and many other business metrics that lead to long-term growth.”
Embracing Diversity is Our Passion and Purpose
At Diamond Brand, our mission extends well beyond crafting quality and sustainable outdoor products; it also encompasses fostering a culture of heart and humanity in all aspects of our business.
With over a century of experience under our belts, we have built a business rooted in integrity and compassion, ensuring the well-being of our employees and craftspeople while delivering high-quality and sustainable products to our customers. We are committed to doing things differently. To us, diversity drives progress and production, so greater inclusion means greater innovation.
All of our products are manufactured in our Fletcher, North Carolina factory, so it only makes sense that we hire locally and support green jobs and economic growth in our backyard. We are proud to be an “Inclusive Hiring Partners (IHP)” with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and are always looking for talented individuals who are enthusiastic about crafting gear. Check out our jobs page for open positions!
At Diamond Brand…
- We EMBRACE individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and experiences in our workplace.
- We BELIEVE that diversity strengthens our team and enriches our culture of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding
- We RECOGNIZE the unique strengths, perspectives, views, skills, and talents that each person brings to the table
- We STRIVE to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, lead, and contribute their best.
- We NURTURE a supportive and inclusive work environment that creates a sense of belonging where identity expression is celebrated.
- We SUPPORT partnerships and programs that promote the health and wellness of both the individual and the collective.
- We CELEBRATE our individual differences, fostering an environment where every employee has the opportunity to thrive socially and emotionally.
- We ACKNOWLEDGE that diverse backgrounds, both visible and invisible, are essential for fostering inclusive and vibrant communities
- We BELIEVE that the outdoors belongs to us all, so we are passionate about making reliable products and facilitating meaningful experiences for all types of adventurers.
Our Team By the Numbers
- 32% of Diamond Brand’s employees are non-native speakers
- 73% of Diamond Brand employees are female, including 58% of the leadership team
At Diamond Brand, we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for recruitment and advancement of underrepresented groups and minorities to thrive. Some of our key employment initiatives demonstrate how we share our success with our employees.
- Living wages
- Gainsharing program
- Employee assistance programs including language translation and skills development
- Regular opportunities for team connection and collaboration
In an era where transparency and accountability are valued, these ethical practices set us apart as a trusted and responsible brand that champions both indvidiual and collective wellness.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Call to Action
Ethical and responsible manufacturing means that together we are creating a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. As we continue our journey to be the world’s most sustainable tentmaker, we invite other businesses to join us in prioritizing people and the planet alongside profits. Together, we can create a new textile and outdoor gear industry that values human dignity and environmental stewardship.
At Diamond Brand we believe that diversity is our strength and inclusion is our responsibility. As we continue our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future, we remain committed to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to thrive.
By advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can not only ensure our economic viability and operational sustainability but also contribute to addressing historical inequities and promoting the holistic development of our communities.
The bottom line: if you’re a manufacturer or ANY employer, you should be hiring with diversity in mind. This is not just an option, it’s ESSENTIAL for the viability of your company, and your communities. Ignoring diversity means missing out on valuable talent and immeasurable improvements in team culture, productivity and performance. By embracing more inclusive hiring and employment practices, we unlock our full potential and pave the way for a more better, brighter, happier healthier future for all.
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