Workplace Barriers Inhibit Minority Professional Advancement-- DiversitySearch.com Poll Points to Corporate Culture and Preconceptions as Key Challenges

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Todays companies have a strong commitment to diversity as a workforce imperative and a vital component of long-term success and growth. Yet, there remains a significant gap in how minorities see their work environment and the obstacles that are hindering their career advancement. According to a poll released today by DiversitySearch.com, 89% responded that workplace barriers still exist.

PORTLAND, Ore. /PR Web/ --- Todays companies have a strong commitment to diversity as a workforce imperative and a vital component of long-term success and growth. Yet, there remains a significant gap in how minorities see their work environment and the obstacles that are hindering their career advancement. According to a poll released today by DiversitySearch.com, 89% responded that workplace barriers still exist.

Many corporations are actively seeking to recruit, hire and retain broad diversity talent. These invaluable professionals have diverse backgrounds, abilities, cultures, genders, ethnicities and experiences," said Jessica Owens of DiversitySearch.com However, minorities are still clearly impacted by subtle barriers to advancement. They are looking to find opportunities with companies that are seeking, valuing and consistently rewarding contributions by all."

DiversitySearch.com candidates also report that they value corporate diversity and affinity programs, and use this as key criteria when considering employment opportunities.

DiversitySearch.com polled site visitors and asked about their current job experience and if they felt minorities faced barriers to career advancement. The results are as follows:

General stereotypes/preconceptions of minorities 74%
Lack of minorities on Board of Directors 58%
and Executive Management
Corporate culture 58%
Exclusion from informal networks 53%
Placing barriers in their own way 37%

For additional diversity resources, career strategies, daily career news updates, and employment opportunities, visit http://www.DiversitySearch.com.

About DiversitySearch.com:
DiversitySearch.com is a leader in niche e-Recruiting helping to promote diversity in the workplace by connecting employers with top-notch minority and women candidates. Since 1998 DiversitySearch.com has helped minority and women candidates find career opportunities with organizations that recruit, promote and honor a diverse workplace. For more information, visit http://www.DiversitySearch.com.

Note to Editors: QuickPoll is a service of DiversitySearch.com. Statistics are complied and released on a monthly basis. For more information on this and other QuickPoll studies, contact: info@DiversitySearch.com
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Lisa MacKenzie
lisam@mackenzie-marketing.com
503-225-0725