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Are you in a toxic environment?

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Bias is an issue that can be unconsciously or consciously contributing, but I think we need a better definition of what your “safe” or “familiar” means. It’s different in every org.
Unlike governments, private employers aren’t normally subject to employment equity legislation requirements. Your company may be a DEI proponent, they may not.
But as KPMG 1 noted, I think presently meritocracy is becoming more prevalent and I agree with this. Why are we not hiring the most qualified individuals?
Diversity and representation is important, but not at the expense of truly qualified talent. HR can only push so hard, leaders will either conform after pressure or reprimand from higher up - but they may not take HR seriously until it’s a real problem. Do what you can, document your reminders/comms and cover yourself in case it ever comes back around.
Well said SCR.
Also, HR Gen, you may want to do some research on the originating of the term meritocracy. If you're going to be using this going forward, you may want to get clear on the true definition.
I spent time with each hiring manager to determine what his (and it was mostly "his") goals were for a hire. I would present half a dozen candidates that matched those goals, regardless of diversity. After a lot of back and forth, a manager (who fought in Vietnam and didn't want any of "them") finally agreed to hire the candidate I suggested and then, a few weeks later, went around bragging it was the best hire he ever made. Same experiences with people of color, and women. It was changing one mind at a time.
When you say hiring managers are leaning towards “safe” profiles, do you mean qualified?
Hiring managers usually try to hire the most qualified person for the job (as it makes their job best supported), which can be sometimes misunderstood as a racial determination.
I don't think that even really falls on HR. We only have so much control. Ultimately those decisions are made by the hiring manager.
No other department will carry responsibility for diversity outcomes, as they aren't hubs for the relevant data or influence like HR is. If upper management agrees with the targeted outcomes, and you have the data to demonstrate where performance is lacking, then you have mandate for applying proportional amounts of accountability.
Stay on target and best of luck resolving this pain point!
No discomfort, just trying to follow the law. Feel free to approach the law however you see fit.
Pro
As we have a lot of control so it depends on hiring managers !
Purely anything that is administrative should be the responsibility