The head of the Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has warned the use of AI-powered recruitment tools by the media and advertising industry could tip the scales further in the wrong direction in terms of diversity and inclusion hiring.
Lisa Annese, the CEO of DCA, told Mediaweek the potential negative consequences of highly nuanced tools, such as AI recruitment tools, could further impact industries already struggling with diversity, such as advertising and media.
“The effect of AI-powered recruitment tools on an organisation’s diversity largely depends on how this technology is deployed and how inclusive their workplace is to begin with.
“If your organisation’s D&I maturity is low to begin with, introducing AI tools will likely lead to more of the same, if not worse and at scale,” she said.
Annese comments come as the organisation launches The Inclusive AI at Work in Recruitment Employer Guidelines, the culmination of a three-year research project in collaboration with Hudson RPO and Monash University.
The report focuses on the critical role of AI in reshaping the recruitment landscape, noting that its use in Australia has nearly doubled in the past year, with a projected spending increase to $3.6 billion by 2025. However, the report also underscores the risks of perpetuating biases and inequalities unless deployed with an inclusive approach.
The guidelines, encapsulated in a 5-step process called T.R.E.A.D. (Team Up, Reflect, Educate, Acquire, Decide), offer a comprehensive framework for employers to navigate AI recruitment responsibly. Annese remarked, “These guidelines will help provide employers with the tools they need to take advantage of this incredible technology in a way that reduces bias and helps foster a more inclusive and diverse Australian workforce.”
Acknowledging the potential impact on the advertising, media, and marketing industry, Annese emphasised the need for a robust, evidence-based strategy, commenting, “There is no silver bullet when it comes to fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.” She elaborated on the guidelines’ contribution, describing how they should be integrated as part of a holistic approach to inclusive recruitment.
The Advertising Council of Australia (ACA) is currently conducting its second annual industry-wide DE&I census – the Create Space Census. The ACA is working with Kantar to benchmark the industry’s progress on DE&I and highlight gaps and opportunities for greater representation and inclusion across the sector. The survey is open until November 28.
See Also: From TV to AI-powered advertising: navigating the evolution of media
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Top Image: Lisa Annese