Every year, companies invest billions of dollars in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, promising to take meaningful steps to advance racial and economic justice. Yet, people of color—who make up 40% of the U.S. population—are underrepresented in the most influential fields, while millions of jobs remain unfilled.

Now is the time for companies to reevaluate the historical recruitment practices that might exacerbate inequities and eliminate millions of candidates from the talent pool. Now is the time to be proactive about implementing more inclusive hiring practices that engage talent from communities that have been largely overlooked.   

For 20 years, Genesys Works has partnered with school systems and companies to develop long-term strategies that engage underserved communities—building a bridge between talent and opportunity. Each year, our programming provides thousands of young people with resources, access to skills training, social capital, and meaningful work experiences in industries that enable them to earn a thriving wage and achieve sustained economic mobility.  In return, companies committed to creating equity and positive change in today’s work culture receive access to an untapped pool of trained candidates eager to provide new energy, fresh perspective, and value on day one. 

“If companies are seeking diverse candidates for hire, they have to meet these candidates where they are, ”  said Jeffrey Artis, President, and CEO of Genesys Works. “Providing young people who lack traditional access to careers early exposure to the workplace is just one of the strategies our company partners use to widen the talent pool, diversify the pipeline and build a stronger workforce that better positions them for growth.”   

Studies have repeatedly shown the benefits of diversity in the workplace. In an ever-changing work landscape, now overwhelmed by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing diversity continues to be critical for business recovery, resilience, and reimagination. 

While company leaders may consider shifting their priorities to address what they perceive to be more pressing issues, like consolidating workforce capacity or pivoting to a hybrid work environment to maintain productivity, creating long-term interventions that address the labor shortage and advance economic recovery in all communities, especially those most at risk from being excluded, must remain the priority. 

Stay the course.

Learn more about how your company can partner with us to develop meaningful strategies that advance your DEI goals and offer economic opportunities to young people in your communities.