Last week, NAB, in partnership with NAB Leadership Foundation, hosted the annual Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum. The forum is an exclusive event that provides human resources (HR) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) professionals in the broadcast industry the opportunity to gain expert insight and share best practices.

Here are the top takeaways from the speakers:

• Human Resources and DEI execs should lean deeper into skills knowledge hiring. Many hiring managers are too focused on hiring based on experience. Consider the skillset needed to accomplish the job. Knowledge about the industry and role can be taught. A 2021 Harvard Business Review article highlights why this is important.
• Employee engagement is critical for optimal performance. Only 32% of workers in the U.S. are “engaged,” according to a recent Gallup study. Workers want a connection to a sense of purpose and meaning on the job.
• The long-held adage still holds true: most people leave managers, not jobs. Management training is a critical step toward retaining top talent. According to a 2022 Manpower study, workers want workplaces with supportive managers (74%) and trusted leaders (71%) that offer more flexibility, autonomy, trust, coaching and development.
• While AI can complement the recruitment process, most job seekers still prefer human contact. A recent Boston Consulting Group study found that most job seekers still prefer human contact. Many companies are using these tools to assist them in the process of hiring and retaining talent.

NAB’s DEI programs are designed to help broadcasters recruit and retain a diverse, future-ready workforce, and the NAB Leadership Foundation provides career resources to train and develop that workforce. Learn more about our work here.