Buyer interest in diversity grows

A majority of staffing buyers, 53%, are increasing their use of women- and minority-owned staffing firms, according to the "Insight Staffing buyer survey: strategies for managing staffing suppliers" report by Staffing Industry Analysts. Another 22% are considering doing so within the next two years.

This could represent opportunities for companies that qualify as diversity staffing firms.

In some previous reports on women- and minority-owned staffing firms, including the most recent report, executives said they were striving to be the best staffing firm, not just the best diversity staffing firm. And being a diversity staffing firm might be a tie-breaker when pursuing business.

But based on the new survey data, the diversity status appears to be becoming more important to buyers, and, given the current economic environment, it would seem prudent to pursue any potential advantage.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council certifies firms that are minority owned. Two organizations provide certification to women-owned companies; those organizations are the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and the National Women Business Owners Corp.

Some governmental agencies also provide certification.