This last year shook up the labour market – we saw some industries experience drastic layoffs and we also saw some companies desperately seeking out more staff. So is there a shortage of talent? Or are we just hiring wrong?

The hiring process is a hotspot for implicit bias. There are many barriers such as justice involvement, migration backgrounds, disabilities, and language skills that hold people back from the workforce. In this episode, we talk to four companies who have implemented an inclusive or open hiring model to widen their talent pool and give routinely sidelined groups an actual chance to participate in the labour market.

• James Bartle is the founder and CEO of B Corp certified denim brand, Outland Denim. They were founded as an avenue for the employment of women have experienced sex trafficking and other backgrounds of injustice.
• Eric Vinsonneau is the company director of Clean Collective, a Berlin-based cleaning and home help service which provides respectable employment to those with migration backgrounds.
• Joseph Kenner is the president and CEO of Greyston Bakery, a B Corp that hires based on their Open Hiring® staffing model. All of their bakers are hired without background checks, interviews, or resumes.
• Monica Barzanti is the head of International Relations at San Patrignano, Europe’s largest drug rehabilitation centre where the residents produce award-winning products to keep the recovery program free for all.

Quick housekeeping note: There are a few moments where an audio pans rapidly from left to right. Don’t panic! It’s not your headphones. Our amazing editor Terence did all the audio black magic to fix this but you might still hear it on your headphones. We recommend listening on speakers if possible. Enjoy!

Are you an advocate for a more equitable and sustainable business world? Want to feel inspired by other like-minded leaders? Join our community of over 1,200 purpose-driven professionals at:https://www.businessofpurpose.com/community

Want to get yourself some ethical denim? Head to Outland Denim and use the code: Business10

Do you want to become a purpose innovator? Then take TrendWatching’s NEW Academy course and use this exclusive promo code: Purpose10

Want to learn more about inclusive and open hiring? Here is some further reading:

• Greyston Center for Open Hiring
• FORBES: From Open Hiring To Negligent Hiring: How To Reduce Risk And Promote Inclusivity
• MEDIUM: Inclusive Hiring: Why it’s hard, why it’s important, and how you can start making a difference.

Next episode comes out July 15th!

The episode is the brainchild of TrendWatching and Business of Purpose. It was produced, written and hosted by Izzy Ahrbeck and edited by Terence Moore. The music is by The Other Steve and we had research help from Thomas Klaffke. Podcast artwork by Zuzanna Loch and Nikki Ritmeijer.