From AdAge.com…
A hot-button topic takes center stage
By Rupal Parekh
Diversity has been a hot topic at the 4A’s conference this year, and Mr. Wieden’s presentation followed a panel discussion on hiring and inclusion.
Panelists including Omnicom Group’s chief diversity officer, Tiffany Warren, noted that the current recession offered agencies an opportunity to draw on career-changers and they shared their thoughts on best practices in attracting and retaining diverse talent. Among the key takeaways for agencies:
• Re-evaluate the agency’s recruitment process regularly to ensure that hires who have transferable skill sets suited to the continually evolving ad business are identified.
• Mentoring should take place not only across racial boundaries but also across geographic and age boundaries. And don’t stop mentoring employees just because they have left the industry. Remain in touch to nurture them and follow their growth.
• Focusing on talent from the top down is a must. Companies such as Campbell conduct regular reports on the demographics of staff at all levels to track the company’s progress.
• Create groups that allow interns to network and share ideas.
• Be transparent. Focus on keeping and growing diversity-hiring initiatives, but if none are in place, admit it—and change.
No comments:
Post a Comment