Is your much desired new employer a diversity and inclusion champion, or is it all puff virtue-signalling that lacks tangible follow through? 

Studies prove that diverse and inclusive workplaces are more creative, productive, and engaged. DEIB isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s something that can genuinely affect your career development and job satisfaction. So, how can you see through the filter for the real deal? 

Here are four ways to find out if you’ll be joining an inclusive workplace. 

1. Ask questions during interviews 

In the early days of candidate courting, employers tend to wear their Sunday best, batter their eyelids, and promise the world. For some, they may be unlikely to outright confess during interviews that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) isn’t a business priority. 

But the hiring process is your opportunity to find out as much about your potential new workplace as it is about them assessing you. Think about what you expect to see in an inclusive workplace and prepare a few questions to ask during your interview. 

Some examples may be: 

• How is diversity represented on the executive team? 
• How do you foster an open, collaborative environment for all employees? 
• What does the promotion and evaluation process look like, and who makes these decisions? 

2. Confirm their values 

Company values should be easy to find on their website, but it can be worth confirming these with your interviewer – What are your most important values? 

Pay attention to what is and isn’t said. You’ll hopefully get a good glimpse into the company culture and their commitment to DEIB, which should give you a feel for whether your values align. 

3. Dig the diversity data 

Not every workplace will be as transparent as those dreamy folks at Canva, but you may unearth some data gems online or during interviews. Some organisations may start publishing their gender splits (by discipline and seniority), salary transparency, the makeup of flexible part-time and full-time workers, and the diverse backgrounds represented on executive and leadership teams. 

4. Go full detective (deerstalker optional) 

Social media profiles are a godsend for information seekers – you’ll probably find out a lot of information just by looking at team photos and reading the captions! 

• Are their employees profiled and celebrated? 
• Who are the people/leaders contributing to industry conversations and thought leadership? 
• Are they proudly talking about their diversity initiatives and successes? 

You’ll also want to consider company news and announcements (for example, Coles recently appointing its first female CEO in its 109-year history) as well as credible third-party endorsements like Work180. 

Job ad copy (is it masculine coded?), ​​rigid role requirements, and the recruitment process can also provide an indication of their DEIB commitment. 

A diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters a sense of belonging can give your career an edge. It’s for this reason that job seekers benefit from finding out if they’ll be joining a DEIB champion or virtue-signaller instead.