Are you looking for a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive? If so, it’s important to ask the right questions during your job interview. Knowing what to look for in a company and how to spot red flags can help you make an informed decision about whether or not the company is right for you.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most pertinent questions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that individuals should consider asking potential employers, as well as red flags to watch for. We will also highlight some companies that promote healthy DEI environments.
10 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Interview Questions To Ask Interviewers
Asking the right questions during a job interview is essential if you want to ensure that the workplace you’re considering is sincere in its efforts. To help out, here are 10 diversity, equity, and inclusion interview questions that individuals should consider asking potential employers or hiring managers.
1. What diversity initiatives does your company practice?
This question allows you to learn more about the specific DEI practices that a company has in place and what their commitment level is. These initiatives could include things such as mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and regular diversity training sessions.
2. How do you ensure equitable pay across all employees?
By asking this question, you can get a better understanding of how seriously the organization takes equitable compensation for all employees regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. This can be reflected by the company’s policy on pay transparency and pay scale.
3. What measures do you take to make sure everyone feels included in the workplace?
This question provides insight into how inclusive an employer’s culture is and also gives them an opportunity to share any DEI-specific programs they may have implemented within their organization.
4. How do you ensure representation at higher levels of management?
By asking this, employers can be made aware of any areas where there are gaps in representation among top leadership teams and steps they need to take toward achieving greater equity throughout the company’s hierarchy.
5. Do employee feedback forms consider questions about diversity and inclusion issues?
Asking this question helps gauge whether or not employees are given opportunities to provide feedback on DEI-related matters as it relates to their experiences within the office setting. This also shows a company’s commitment to making sure that its employees feel heard and valued.
6. How do you handle complaints about diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization?
Having an understanding of how the company handles any grievances related to DEI will provide more insight into how seriously they take such matters. A good employer should have an effective process in place that allows employees to safely report any issues that arise and one that is handled fairly.
7. Do you conduct diversity training for your employees?
Learning if a company provides DEI training for its employees can help you decide if the workplace culture is one that values and encourages learning about DEI. A company that is willing to invest in the education of its employees shows a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
8. How has the organization responded to any recent events related to racial justice?
This question gets at how seriously an employer takes matters that are important to the community, especially those of a social justice nature.
9. How do you ensure diversity within your hiring and recruitment practices?
Asking this allows you to get more details on how a company goes about recruiting candidates of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Things to look out for include a commitment to creating a strong and diverse applicant pool, implementing non-bias hiring practices, and actively recruiting underrepresented populations.
10. What opportunities are available for career advancement for underrepresented groups?
This question is important because it demonstrates the value that an organization places on diversity and inclusion when it comes to providing opportunities for career growth.
Red Flags to Watch Out For When Asking About Office DEI Policies
It’s important to be aware of any red flags that may indicate whether or not there is diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. To help out, here are five warning signs that you should watch out for when asking about DEI policies:
1. Vague answers when discussing DEI initiatives
If a company is not willing to provide concrete evidence of the DEI work they do, likely, its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is not genuine.
2. Lack of diverse representation in leadership roles
A sign that an organization may not be taking DEI seriously could be if there are no employees from underrepresented groups represented in leadership roles.
3. Unclear policies around harassment and discrimination
Being able to find out an organization’s policies on handling any issues involving workplace harassment or discrimination is key to understanding the safety of a workplace environment. If a company cannot provide clear information about its stance on these matters, it may be best to avoid working there.
4. Refusal to share DEI numbers
If a company does not want to provide any data regarding the diversity of its workforce (including gender, race, ethnicity, etc.), this could indicate that they are not actively trying to create equitable environments within the workplace.
5. Lack of transparency when discussing DEI initiatives
A lack of transparency when discussing DEI initiatives could indicate that a company is not taking DEI seriously. If a company does not feel comfortable publicly committing to its DEI work, it may be best to avoid working for it.
Best Companies That Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
BestCompanies is proud to partner with employers who take diversity and inclusion seriously. Here are some of the top companies that demonstrate a commitment to DEI:
Axon
Axon is transforming public safety technology, building the world’s largest and most trusted network of safety devices and services. To do so, they’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities served by public safety. The company has implemented several DEI initiatives, including JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion), their DEI program focused on empowering employees to build racial equity, diversity, and inclusion through Axon people and products.
See which roles are open at Axon.
Desert Financial Credit Union
Desert Financial Credit Union places significant emphasis on promoting diversity, equity, and accessibility, and cultivating an environment that values and celebrates cultural diversity. The organization has implemented a variety of DEIA initiatives, including developing leaders who prioritize inclusivity, fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, providing career development opportunities, and recognizing the critical role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in creating an inclusive workplace aligned with the company’s mission, vision, and values. Desert Financial recognizes that DEIA behaviors are crucial in creating a passionate workplace culture that inspires employees to perform at their best.
Find out which positions are open at Desert Financial.
KUBRA
KUBRA places great importance on promoting diversity and inclusivity and has prioritized creating an inclusive work environment. Their impressive award-winning corporate culture embraces diversity and empowers all employees to express themselves. In fact, 98% of new employees reported feeling welcome when they joined KUBRA, and on average, across diversity groups, over 90% of individuals report feeling that they are treated fairly regardless of race or gender. KUBRA was also recently a winner of Comparably’s Best Company for Diversity and Happiest Employees. Start your career at KUBRA today!
Review open positions at KUBRA.
Voya Financial
Voya Financial is a leading health, wealth, and investment company. Through products, solutions, and technologies, Voya helps its 14.7 million individual, workplace and institutional clients become well-planned, well-invested, and well-protected. The team is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity, encourages respect for all employees and customers, provides equitable opportunities for their workforce, and supports community initiatives.
Browse open job opportunities at Voya Financial.
Willscot Mini Mobile
WillScot Mobile Mini is an industry leader in providing innovative solutions for temporary space in virtually every industry – from construction sites and industrial facilities to schools, retail stores, and more.
We embrace diversity and are focused on building teams that include a variety of backgrounds, lived experiences, and skills. We have 5 Inclusive Resource Teams that are employee-led, focusing on building community within WillScot Mobile Mini, based on shared experiences of culture, heritage, military service, and other lived experiences. The groups are focused on sharing with the organization, to learn and influence our company in ways that make us better for our teammates, our customers, and the communities in which we serve.
See open positions available at Willscot Mini Mobile.
Workiva
Workiva is a leading cloud-based platform for managing and improving data accuracy, efficiency, and workflow collaboration. When it comes to DEI, they have implemented several initiatives such as unconscious bias training, enforcing shared values of respect, providing DEI-focused resources for employees including seven Business Employee Resource Groups, and taking measures to ensure that their recruiting process is fair and equitable.
Check out job opportunities at Workiva.
It is important for job seekers to ask the right questions and understand an organization’s commitment to DEI when considering employment. Employers should also be transparent about their initiatives, policies, and programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace in order to create a safe environment where everyone can thrive.
Here at BestCompanies, we are proud of our partners that promote healthy DEI environments. Learn more about them through our Diversity Talks Podcast.
When looking for your next career opportunity or aiming to hire the best talent possible make sure you consider employers that value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace! See if any of our partners offer the perfect fit for you.
