Discover hidden talent: the untapped resource

19 August

In the job market of the UK lies a vast pool of untapped potential – the hidden talent. But what exactly is hidden talent? It’s the skills, abilities, and experiences that often go unnoticed or undervalued in traditional hiring processes. These talents are waiting to be discovered, ready to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to workplaces across the nation.

The overlooked workforce

Hidden talent refers to the unique skills and abilities of people who are often overlooked in the hiring process. These talented people have much to offer, and by recognising and valuing their potential, we can create a more inclusive and innovative workforce.

In the UK, this group represents a significant portion of the population:

There are 1.53 million unemployed people in the UK, with many facing barriers to employment due to disabilities, long-term health conditions, or factors such as education, community safety and social support.

As of 2024 about a further 9.4 million people are economically inactive. These are people who have not looked for work recently (within the past 4 weeks). This group includes those who are retired, looking after family or home, students, long-term or temporarily sick or disabled. However, many of these people would like to take a job aligned to their skills, interests and circumstances.

Around half of people with disabilities, do not have a paid job, a rate that is more than double the rest of the working-age population.

Less than a quarter of those who were long term sick or caring said they wanted a job.

These statistics reveal a wealth of potential talent waiting for forward-thinking employers.

Source  –  Labour market overview, UK – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

The Power of diversity in the workplace

Embracing hidden talent through inclusive hiring practices is not only a smart business move, but also the right thing to do. Companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion reap significant benefits:

  • Increased innovation: Diverse teams are 87% more likely to make better decisions and 70% more likely to capture new markets.
  • Improved financial performance: Companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity are 36% more likely to have above-average profitability.
  • Enhanced employee engagement: Inclusive companies see 5.4 times higher employee retention rates.

Sources
https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/diversity%20and%20inclusion/diversity%20wins%20how%20inclusion%20matters/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters-vf.pdf

https://www.cloverpop.com/hacking-diversity-with-inclusive-decision-making-white-paper

https://www.hr.com/en/resources/free_research_white_papers/hrcom-state-of-diversity-inclusion-2019-feb2019_jrttnwuk.html

https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/why-is-diversity-inclusion-in-the-workplace-important

Unlocking hidden potential

To tap into this reservoir of hidden talent, employers need to rethink their hiring strategies:

  • Partner with organisations supporting disadvantaged job seekers: Collaborate with charities like us and government initiatives to access a diverse talent pool.
  • Look beyond traditional qualifications: Focus on transferable skills and potential rather than just formal education or work history.
  • Implement blind recruitment processes: Remove identifying information from applications to reduce unconscious bias.
  • Offer inclusive internships and apprenticeships: Create pathways for disadvantaged individuals to gain experience and showcase their abilities.

The hidden talent revolution

As more companies recognise the value of hidden talent, we’re seeing a shift in the UK job market:

Research from members of Disability Confident employer scheme, conducted by Ipsos highlight the emerging benefits and trends.

  • 77% of UK businesses now have a diversity and inclusion strategy in place.
  • The number of employers signed up to the Disability Confident scheme has increased by 236% since 2017.
  • Companies with diverse management teams have 19% higher innovation revenues.

By embracing hidden talent, UK employers aren’t just filling positions – they’re unlocking a world of creativity, resilience, and untapped potential. It’s time to look beyond the surface and discover the talents that lie within every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Source
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-confident-survey-of-participating-employers-may-2022/disability-confident-scheme-findings-from-a-survey-of-participating-employers

Ready to create a more inclusive workplace? Discover how Good Work Places and Good Work Partners can help you unlock the potential of diverse talent.

Start your journey today—get in touch and let’s build a stronger, more inclusive team together!

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