Hiring the best person for the job isn’t just an abstract goal - it’s essential for innovation, productivity, and economic progress.

This month’s Inclusion Essentials webinar takes a closer look at the concept of merit and explores how inclusive hiring practices can sharpen our ability to identify top talent.

Diversity Works New Zealand Professional Services Manager Dejealous Palota-Kopa will unpack how inclusive recruitment practices can help organisations better recognise potential and build stronger teams.

“Inclusive hiring helps organisations see talent more clearly and make better decisions about who can contribute,” says Dejealous. “Even if this is new territory for your organisation, there are simple ways to get started and make meaningful change.”

This free 30-minute introductory webinar is ideal for anyone involved in recruitment – from HR professionals to hiring managers – and offers a practical first step towards embedding inclusion into your hiring processes. The session will explore:

• Understanding how perceptions of merit are shaped, and sometimes distorted
• How bias shows up in recruitment
• Steps toward inclusive hiring
  
  

Dejealous says that what we often call ‘merit’ is not as objective as we think. “It’s shaped by systems of privilege – everything from where someone went to school, to how confident they appear in an interview. Inclusive hiring helps level the playing field so organisations can better see true potential.”

There are also risks for organisations that don’t embed inclusion into recruitment. “You risk missing out on top talent, reinforcing bias, and limiting innovation,” says Dejealous. “And in today’s competitive labour market, that can hold your organisation back.”

Register now to join us on Wednesday, 16 July – and don’t forget to mark your calendar, as this session will not be recorded.

If your organisation would like further support or tailored advice, contact Dejealous at consultancy@diversityworksnz.org.nz.