What's Happening?
A new report from Diversity Council Australia (DCA) reveals that 58% of HR and diversity practitioners in Australia favor candidates from elite universities, despite little evidence that this improves job performance. The report, titled 'Class Inclusion
at Work,' highlights how class bias continues to impact hiring practices, with some employers using university attendance as a screening tool. This practice disadvantages workers from class-marginalized backgrounds, who are less likely to have attended prestigious institutions. The findings challenge the notion of Australia as a class-free society, with DCA CEO Catherine Hunter emphasizing that social class should not determine career opportunities.
Why It's Important?
The report underscores the ongoing issue of class bias in the workplace, which can entrench disadvantage and overlook valuable talent. In the context of rising cost-of-living pressures, skills shortages, and economic uncertainty, organizations that allow class to influence hiring risk missing out on innovative and satisfied employees. Class-marginalized workers in inclusive environments are significantly more likely to report positive job satisfaction and mental health impacts, as well as contribute to team innovation and customer service excellence. Addressing class bias is not only a moral imperative but also offers tangible benefits to organizations.
What's Next?
DCA hopes the report will spark a national conversation about class and workplace inclusion, encouraging organizations to build cultures where people from all class backgrounds can thrive. The report provides an evidence-based framework for employers to address class inequality and unlock overlooked talent. As more organizations recognize the importance of class inclusion, there may be increased efforts to collect and utilize class-related data to drive meaningful change in hiring practices.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights the ethical dimension of class bias, challenging the myth of meritocracy in Australian workplaces. It calls for a reevaluation of hiring practices that perpetuate social inequality and urges organizations to consider the broader societal impact of their recruitment strategies. By fostering inclusive environments, businesses can contribute to a more equitable society and benefit from diverse perspectives and skills.
