In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the concept of open hiring, where the first person to apply for a job gets the position. This hiring method is designed to remove bias and provide opportunities for individuals who typically face employment barriers, such as those with disabilities, criminal records, or gaps in work history.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

• The benefits of open hiring, including faster recruitment, increased diversity and inclusion, and the ability to give more people a chance at employment.
• How open hiring aligns with business values, helping companies demonstrate a commitment to social impact and fairness while enhancing their employer brand.
• Key considerations before implementing open hiring, including: 
  • Application process fairness – How to ensure accessibility for all candidates, whether through online applications, in-person sign-ups, or alternative methods.
  • Role suitability and volume – Why open hiring works best for entry-level roles with high volume needs, such as retail, warehousing, and hospitality.
  • Manager training – Ensuring hiring managers don’t revert to traditional interview processes, maintaining the integrity of the open hiring approach.
  • Work health and safety (WHS) concerns – The importance of assessing whether candidates can safely perform the role, including potential pre-employment medical checks.
  • Measuring success – Tracking employee retention, engagement, and job performance to determine whether open hiring is effective in the long term.

Karen shares examples of companies using open hiring, including Greyston Bakery in the U.S., which reduced employee turnover by 60%, and The Body Shop, which successfully implemented the model across its retail and distribution roles.

By exploring these benefits and challenges, businesses can determine whether open hiring fits their workforce needs and how to successfully integrate it into their recruitment strategy.

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We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

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