Overcoming workplace bias with blind recruitment
The benefits of flying blind in recruitment
It’s an unavoidable fact of life that humans can often be biased. However, internal prejudice can have a negative impact on diversity in the workplace. A recent study by fellows of the National Bureau of Economic Research demonstrated that individuals with ethnic-sounding names often had to send their résumé to up to 50 per cent more businesses before securing a position.
In an effort to combat this, human resource departments of big-name companies such as Deloitte, the BBC and HSBC have begun to implement a process known as ‘blind recruitment’ – to wide success.
According to Michael Grothaus of FastCompany, blind recruitment is the “practice of removing personally identifiable information from the resumes of applicants”. This usually includes name, age and gender, although some – including UK law firm Clifford Chance – remove names of schools and other information. When individuals submit their modified résumé, the idea is that they will be judged solely on their experience and qualifications, rather than extraneous details.
The benefits are enormous, with almost every participating business noting an increase in the diversity of their workplace. The Director General of the Institute of Recruiters, Azmat Mohammad, notes the positive changes blind recruitment can offer.
“A more diverse workforce resembles your customer base more accurately; it allows for different ideas from different backgrounds. Bottom line, it is good for a business,” he says.
The challenges that lie ahead
Of course, implementing such a radical change is not without its challenges. Those fully committed to blind recruitment often have to change their entire process, as ‘going in blind’ may do away with the traditional interview altogether, or demand significant modifications. Forcing individuals within the workplace to acknowledge the possibility of unconscious bias may also be confronting, as no one likes to think they have been discriminatory.
Blind recruitment will not be an easy transition for the business world, but if truly embraced by HR departments, it promises a fair and diverse workplace that will serve to enrich employees, employers and consumers alike.
If you’re interested in the intricacies of the hiring process and want to play a part in fostering true workplace diversity, RMIT’s online Master of Human Resource Management is the qualification for you. Through this program, you can learn to manage the ins and outs of human resources as a member of the global workforce. Learn more about our leading online courses or speak to one of our expert Student Enrolment Advisors today on 1300 701 171.
