Recap: NIBA presents D&I and the Talent Shortage at the 2023 Dive In Festival
Supported by Gilchrist Connell, the NIBA Vic and WA Committee hosted a thought-provoking panel session about attracting top talent and promoting diversity at the 2023 Dive In Festival.
In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is more challenging than ever. The panel session brought together industry experts, HR professionals, and diversity advocates to explore how organisations can navigate the talent shortage from a diversity lens.
The panelists shared their respective experiences of working in diverse settings to achieve business outcomes. With a workforce made up of 74% women and 50% Gen Z, Belinda Cohen, Chief People Officer at Gilchrist Connell, knows a thing or two about diversity and inclusion (D&I). The Gilchrist Connell office “speaks 22 languages, and that speaks to the richness of the workplace,” said Ms Cohen. She further added that D&I is about “mining your workforce to see what’s sitting below the surface.”
Marcus McCairns, Account Direct at Proforce, shared his perspective on incorporating diversity and inclusion in recruitment practices and for business to think about it right from the hiring stage. He advised on improving the interview process by “starting high and wide, as opposed to specific,” to ensure the interview process feels less confrontational and more conversational for candidates. Mr McCairns was optimistic about the outlook of the industry, which he believes already offers “programs and opportunities for all walks of life.”
Another panelist, Alina Gerhardy, People and Culture Manager at NCI, spoke about catering for Gen Z in the modern workplace.
“They’re looking for learning and development, and career pathways,” said Ms Gerhardy. She passionately argued that we must be transparent and communicative about opportunities, creating tailored L&D programs,“so they [people in the workforce] can see what’s on the horizon for them.” Ms Gerhardy summed up her take beautifully this way, saying, “diversity is a journey, not a destination.”
Prudence Chang, hosting on behalf of NIBA, shared her own personal experience as a working parent emphasising the value of flexible working for parents. Ms Chang shared the view that “allowing people/women to come to work in different forms” helps keep them engaged.
The 2023 Dive In Festival is the ninth edition of one of the world's largest diversity, equity, and inclusion events, running this week from 26-28 September 2023.
NIBA would like to thank all the attendees and the wonderful panel of exceptional speakers for their time and sharing their insights, and Gilchrist Connell for supporting this panel session.