Combating bias and worker shortages through hiring technology

Reevaluating job descriptions and the desired qualifications for open positions is crucial to ensuring otherwise quality candidates are not accidentally eliminated from consideration. (Image: Shutterstock)

Despite the fact that there are currently more job openings than unemployed workers, 95% of organizations are still struggling to fill open positions – and many short-staffed businesses are turning to automated hiring software to close talent gaps. While often helpful, there is a catch: automating the hiring process can exclude applicants with untraditional employment histories like the formerly incarcerated and working mothers.

In fact, a recent study from Harvard Business School found that software used by companies to automate hiring eliminates more than 10 million workers from moving forward in the recruitment process – and it is disadvantaged applicants who are paying the price. It does not have to be this way. If companies take specific steps to counteract these trends, then we can build a better, more inclusive workforce.