A new ranking has revealed where has the best employers for diversity and inclusion, according to worker reviews - with Washington crowned top
The study analyzed Glassdoor data for over 1.3 million companies to identify where has the fewest employers rated at least 4.5 stars for diversity and inclusion
While some states have higher inclusion rates than others, some job sectors do too - with retail and food services performing the best
A recruitment expert, Darren Shafae, explains which red flags you should look out for when job hunting - including a lack of employee reviews
A new ranking has revealed which states have the best employers for diversity and inclusion, based on employee reviews - with Washington crowned top.
The study, conducted by resume specialists ResumeBlaze, looked at the number of companies rated 4.5 stars and above for diversity and inclusion in each state and scaled this against the total number of jobs listed in each area on Glassdoor.
Despite unemployment rates being at a half-century low (according to figures from the Federal Reserve), some people will still be looking to switch jobs before the festive season hits – and employer ratings is a key concern for many.
Washington is placed top, with 23% of companies rated 4.5 stars and above for diversity and inclusion – over half (53%) more than the national average (15%).
Diversity is about the representation of the company and the employees within it, whilst inclusion is about how well the perspectives of different people are valued in the workplace. Together, they create a workplace where everyone feels equally supported and valued.
The second-best state to work in for those who prioritize diversity and inclusion is California with 20.6% of companies rated 4.5 and above, and Florida is the third best with 20%.
On the other end of the scale, West Virginia is named the state with the worst employers for inclusion and diversity with just 1 in 10 (10%) companies rated 4.5 stars and up by employees – 55% fewer than in Washington.
South Dakota is named the second-worst state with 11% of companies rated 4.5 stars and above, and the third worst state for employees is Mississippi with just 12%.
As well as showing which states perform well, the analysis also looked at which sectors have the best employers for diversity and inclusion - with the retail and food services sector proving most inclusive, with a fifth (21%) of employers rated at least 4.5 stars.
Closely following behind were education and healthcare, with a fifth (20%) of employers performing well for diversity and inclusion across both sectors.
Interestingly, the job sector with the lowest proportion of high-quality employers in this area is the military and protective services with 6% - 60% less than to the national average.
Speaking on the findings, Darren Shafae, Founder of ResumeBlaze, said: “Those who are looking for a new job will almost definitely turn to employee reviews to judge the quality of a company - and those who are poorly rated are less likely to have enthusiastic applicants than those with glowing reviews”. “Even if the employee reviews look good from the outside, there are some ‘red flags’ you should look out for when job hunting, which can help you decide which companies are worth your time, and which aren’t. Here are 5 potential red flags:
Vague Job Descriptions: If the job posting lacks specific details about the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations, it may be a sign that the employer is not fully transparent or doesn't have a clear idea of what they want.
Unusual Requests: Be wary of employers who request personal or financial information unrelated to the job application process. Scammers may try to exploit job seekers for identity theft or fraud.
High Turnover Rate: Research the company's history and turnover rate. Frequent turnover can be a sign of a toxic work environment or poor management.
Too Good to Be True: Be cautious of job postings that promise extremely high salaries, rapid promotions, or benefits that seem too generous for the role. If it sounds too good to be true, it might be a scam or a misleading opportunity.
Lack of Benefits or Perks: If the company offers little to no benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or professional development opportunities, it may not prioritize employee well-being and growth.”
“Remember that red flags are not definitive proof of a bad employer or job opportunity, but they should prompt you to investigate further and proceed with caution. Trust your instincts and conduct thorough research before making any decisions.”
Study conducted by ResumeBlaze. Data gathered from Glassdoor company reviews.
