Advertise with diversity magazines and websites
Company advertisements in diverse publications can illustrate the company’s commitment to its diversity initiatives and it’s desire to attract a diverse workforce.

Companies using this method include; Principal Financial Group, Des Moines Public Schools, R. R. Donnelly and Sons, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and South Dakota.

Internship and School-to-Work Programs
The sponsorship of a college student can offer a win/win solution for both the employer and the student. It provides the employer the needed human capital to get a job done, and exposure and learning opportunities for the student to a business environment. These sponsorships can become fulltime job placements upon the student’s graduation.

Companies maximizing internship opportunities include; Principal Financial Group.

Welfare to Work Programs
Programs to assist primarily single mothers with children to gain independence from welfare. Company support of such programs can be a great resource to increase a company’s qualified workforce.

Companies using this strategy include Salomon Smith Barney and Principal Financial Group.

Using Diversity Search Firms
In a market of low employment and high demand for talent, a diversity search firm can fulfill the job placement need and also increase the diversity representation in the workforce. The firms usually specialize in building relationships with markets that are populated with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Companies using this resource include; Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Iowa and South Dakota and Principal Financial Group.

Flexible Work Schedules and Floating Holidays
The dynamics of the workforce population are changing. It is reality to have a workforce that includes two-income families, dependent care challenges and the need for employees to balance a busy work/life schedule. To accommodate these changes by offering flexible work week schedules is a valued benefit to employees and can have a positive impact on attracting and retaining the workforce.

In addition, many companies recognize that not all employees celebrate all holidays. Providing a “floating holiday” (day off) for use on a date that is significant to the individual employee illustrates the company’s appreciation for our differences.

Companies recognizing the value of flexible work schedules, and floating holidays include Principal Financial Group and Cigna HealthCare.

Cigna HealthCare and Principal Financial Group also provide compressed work schedules, job sharing, and part-time work.

More staffing and retention ideas
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