As we move into the new year and organizations continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) efforts emerge as essential to attracting and retaining candidates. Job seekers want workplaces more reflective of their own lives and experiences. It's no longer enough to have programs in place that talk about DE&I -- workers want to see the needle moving.

Here are three DE&I trends impacting hiring and how your workforce can navigate them in 2022:

Hybrid-Remote Work

Nope -- WFH isn't going away anytime soon, and many organizations are offering employees some flexibility on how they work. This allows workers to choose to work where they feel safest and most productive. Although hybrid and remote work creates opportunities to hire a more geographically diverse workforce, employers need to think about other DE&I factors like:

• Does everyone have access to the necessary technology and a quiet, ergonomic workspace?
• Are those that can come into the office given preferential treatment for raises, promotions, and positive feedback?
• Do you offer flexible work hours to support those who care for children or other family members?

Multigenerational Workforce

With four generations in the workplace, organizations must be welcoming, fair, and inclusive to all ages. Here are some ways to meet the needs of a workforce that spans generations:

Diversify your benefits package. Baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z have differing concerns. Consider asking your employees what matters and adjusting your benefits package to reflect their feedback.

Listen. Workers have been through a lot in the last few years, and signs indicate that the uncertainty and change will continue. Make an effort to listen and understand the perspectives and expectations of each generation to fuel the growth of your team.

Communicate effectively. A one-size-fits-all approach to communication isn't going to fit a multigenerational workforce. Using inclusive language and tailoring your delivery method to your audience will yield the most effective results.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental health and wellbeing take center stage as we continue to negotiate lives changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as they try to reenter the workplace while juggling caregiving demands and sick family members. Mental health support -- formerly considered primarily the domain of health insurance coverage -- is more important than ever. Companies can support and nurture their employees' mental health by:

• implementing emotional intelligence training for their leaders;
• educating employees on the topics of resilience, adaptability, and burnout;
• providing access to mental health resources and helplines;
• creating support groups within the organization; and
• expanding mental health and wellbeing benefits for a diverse, multigenerational workforce.

Hiring in the New Year? PrideStaff can help you find diverse, highly skilled temporary associates or employees who will be a great fit for your company culture. Contact your local Pridestaff office today.