Skip to main content
  • Personal
  • Business
  • Foundation
    Close
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • mySHRM Login
  • MySHRM
    • Dashboard
    • Account
    • Logout
SHRM
  • Membership
    • Membership

      As a SHRM Member®, you’ll pave the path of your success with invaluable resources, world-class educational opportunities and premier events.

      Membership Tiers
      • Professional
      • Student
      • Global
      • Executive
      • Enterprise
      Membership Benefits
  • Certification
    • SHRM Certification

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Fees & Options
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me?
      • Recertification
      Prepare for the Exam
      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance your HR credibility.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

      Seminars

      Stand out from among your HR peers with the skills obtained from a SHRM Seminar.

  • Events & Education
    • Events

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations.

      • SHRM26 Annual Conference
      • BLUEPRINT 2025
      • Talent Conference & Expo
      • Linkage Institute
      • The AI+HI Project 2026
      State Conferences

      Attend a SHRM state event to network with other HR professionals and learn more about the future of work.

      Seminars

      Stand out from among your HR peers with the skills obtained from a SHRM Seminar.

      Webinars
  • Resources
    • Resources

      Stay up to date with news and leverage our vast library of resources.

      • Flagships
      • HR Research
      • Legal & Compliance
      • Latest News & Trends
      • Tools & Guides
      • Webinars
      HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

  • Community
    • Find a SHRM Chapter

      Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

      • SHRM Northern California
      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

  • Shop
    • SHRM Store

      Shop for HR certifications, credentials, learning, events, merchandise and more.

      Workplace Essentials
      • SHRM Memberships
      • SHRM Certification
      • Specialty Credentials
      • HR Tools & Tech
      Education
      • Seminars
      • eLearning
      • Books
      Merchandise
      • Accessories
      • Apparel
      • Office & Home
Become a Member
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
Close
  • Personal
  • Business
  • Foundation
  • Membership
    back
    Membership
    • Membership

      As a SHRM Member®, you’ll pave the path of your success with invaluable resources, world-class educational opportunities and premier events.

      Membership Tiers
      • Professional
      • Student
      • Global
      • Executive
      • Enterprise
      Membership Benefits
  • Certification
    back
    Certification
    • SHRM Certification

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Fees & Options
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me?
      • Recertification
      Prepare for the Exam
      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance your HR credibility.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

      Seminars

      Stand out from among your HR peers with the skills obtained from a SHRM Seminar.

  • Events & Education
    back
    Events & Education
    • Events

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations.

      • SHRM26 Annual Conference
      • BLUEPRINT 2025
      • Talent Conference & Expo
      • Linkage Institute
      • The AI+HI Project 2026
      State Conferences

      Attend a SHRM state event to network with other HR professionals and learn more about the future of work.

      Seminars

      Stand out from among your HR peers with the skills obtained from a SHRM Seminar.

      Webinars
  • Resources
    back
    Resources
    • Resources

      Stay up to date with news and leverage our vast library of resources.

      • Flagships
      • HR Research
      • Legal & Compliance
      • Latest News & Trends
      • Tools & Guides
      • Webinars
      HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

  • Community
    back
    Community
    • Find a SHRM Chapter

      Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

      • SHRM Northern California
      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

  • Shop
    back
    Shop
    • SHRM Store

      Shop for HR certifications, credentials, learning, events, merchandise and more.

      Workplace Essentials
      • SHRM Memberships
      • SHRM Certification
      • Specialty Credentials
      • HR Tools & Tech
      Education
      • Seminars
      • eLearning
      • Books
      Merchandise
      • Accessories
      • Apparel
      • Office & Home
Become a Member
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
SHRM
mySHRM Login
  • MySHRM
    • Dashboard
    • Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Topics & Tools
  2. Workplace News & Trends
  3. Inclusion & Diversity
  4. How to Build Inclusive Hiring Practices
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

How to Build Inclusive Hiring Practices

July 12, 2024

With companies posting more job openings, how can you be sure you’re finding the best candidates? Consider looking beyond your usual sources and reach out to nontraditional candidates, such as people with disabilities and those with criminal histories.

Applicants from these groups may need accommodations or training to help them succeed, but small investments in them now can pay off big in the future, in the form of an inclusive workforce and productive, loyal employees.

Turmoil in the Labor Market

Job openings unexpectedly rose by 221,000 in May to 8.1 million, reversing a downward trend, according to the monthly JOLTS report released July 2 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the number of people quitting—a measure of workers’ confidence in their ability to leave one job for another—rose slightly to 3.5 million. In addition, U.S. payrolls increased by 206,000 in June.

With more people being hired, then quitting and changing jobs, employers need job candidates who are committed to the work. You can find them by including nontraditional candidates in your applicant pool; a few accommodations and some training will create an equitable work environment and help them—and your business—succeed. In fact, the SHRM Foundation has found that 81% of HR professionals believe the quality of hire of workers with criminal records is about the same or better than workers without, while 97% say that employees with disabilities regularly perform the same or better than their peers without disabilities.

With one-quarter of U.S. adults having a disability, and 1 in 3 U.S. adults having a criminal record, employers can’t afford to overlook these applicants.

To find the best applicants, employers should expand their reach beyond the usual recruitment channels. This can include partnering with organizations that support underrepresented groups, attending diversity-focused job fairs, and utilizing platforms dedicated to inclusive hiring.

The following tips can help you hire from nontraditional populations and implement inclusive hiring practices:

Tips for Hiring People with Disabilities

Hiring individuals with disabilities is an important aspect of building an inclusive workforce. These candidates bring valuable skills, perspectives, and experiences that can enhance your organization. Here are some ways you can succeed in this endeavor:

1. Create an Accessible Hiring Process

Ensure that your hiring process is accessible to candidates with disabilities. Provide accommodations during interviews, use accessible technology for online assessments, and clearly communicate the availability of support.

2. Focus on Abilities, Not Disabilities

When evaluating candidates with disabilities, focus on their abilities, skills, and qualifications relevant to the job. Avoid making assumptions about what they can or cannot do based on their disability.

3. Provide Reasonable Accommodations

Be prepared to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. These could be adjustments to the work environment, flexible work schedules, or assistive technology. Open communication with the candidate about their needs is key.

For more comprehensive guidelines on hiring people with disabilities, explore the SHRM toolkits on Developing an Accessible Workplace and Accommodating Employees’ Disabilities.

Tips for Hiring People with Criminal Histories

Hiring individuals with criminal histories can be a powerful way to promote social justice and reduce recidivism. These candidates often demonstrate resilience, determination, and loyalty. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Assess the Context

Consider the nature of the criminal offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the candidate’s efforts toward rehabilitation. This holistic assessment can provide a clearer picture of the individual’s suitability for the role.

2. Implement Fair Hiring Policies

Adopt fair hiring policies that do not automatically disqualify candidates with criminal records. Instead, evaluate each case individually and provide opportunities for candidates to explain their circumstances.

3. Partner with Re-entry Programs

Collaborate with re-entry programs and organizations that support individuals with criminal histories. These partnerships can provide access to a pool of motivated candidates and offer additional support during the hiring process.

For detailed guidance, review the SHRM toolkit on Employing Individuals with Criminal Records.

Implementing Inclusive Hiring Practices

Inclusive hiring practices are not just about attracting diverse talent; they also involve creating an environment where all employees feel valued and supported. Here are some steps to implement these practices effectively:

1. Provide Training and Education

Provide training for hiring managers and HR professionals on the importance of inclusive hiring. Educate them about unconscious biases, accessibility, and the benefits of a diverse workforce.

2. Create Inclusive Job Descriptions

Write job descriptions that are inclusive and free from biased language. Highlight your commitment to inclusion and ensure that the requirements are truly necessary for the role.

3. Aim for Continuous Improvement

Regularly review and assess your hiring practices to ensure they remain inclusive and effective. Seek feedback from employees and candidates to identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes.

Building a Supportive Workplace Culture

Now that you’ve hired these candidates, you need to keep them. Creating a supportive workplace culture is essential for retaining diverse talent. Here are some strategies to foster inclusion and belonging within your organization:

1. Promote Mentorship and Development

Implement mentorship programs to support the growth and development of employees from underrepresented groups. Pair them with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, career advice, and networking opportunities.

2. Celebrate Diversity

Celebrate diversity within your organization by recognizing cultural events, promoting diverse voices, and showcasing the achievements of employees from different backgrounds. This helps create a sense of belonging and appreciation.

3. Lead by Example

Leaders should model inclusive behavior and demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This sets the tone for the entire organization and encourages others to follow suit.

4. Communicate Your Vision

Clearly communicate the organization’s vision for diversity and inclusion. Share the benefits of inclusive hiring practices and the positive impact they have on company culture and performance.

5. Allocate Resources

Allocate resources, such as funding and personnel, to support diversity and inclusion initiatives. This demonstrates a tangible commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.

Inclusion & Diversity


Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
Our Brands

SHRM Foundation Logo
SHRM Executive Network Logo
CEO Circle Logo
SHRM Business Logo
SHRM Linkage Logo
SHRM Labs
Overview

  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRM
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Post a Job
Advocacy

  • Workforce Development
  • Workplace Inclusion
  • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
  • Workplace Governance
  • Workplace Health Care
  • Workplace Immigration
  • State Affairs
  • Global Policy
  • Advocacy Team
  • Take Action
  • Generation Cares
  • The Section 127 Coalition
Member Resources

  • Ask An Advisor
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • SHRM Flagships
  • Topics & Tools
  • Find an HR Job
  • Vendor Directory

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved
SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now