NOARK Inclusion & Diversity Spotlight Blog - January 2024
January 09, 2024 • Posted by Dustin BroJanuary marks Poverty in America Awareness Month, shedding light on classism and socioeconomic disparities in the HR sector. The article discusses the impact of social class bias on hiring decisions, emphasizing the importance of social capital and recognizing the life cycles of employees. HR professional Missha Wagoner's experience reveals the challenges faced by individuals caught in the Cliff Effect, where a pay raise triggers loss of government assistance. The article calls on HR professionals to engage in open conversations, implement inclusive practices, and invest in fostering social capital to overcome these barriers. It highlights the role of organizations like Circles NWA in supporting employees facing the Cliff Effect and suggests specific actions for HR professionals in training, recruitment, development, evaluation, and engagement to address classism and disparities effectively.