As I’ve ventured into the depths of the hiring world, I want to share an insight that might not sound conventionally appealing but is incredibly close to my heart. It's about the potential and uniqueness that ultra-Orthodox women bring to the workplace. I'll preface this by saying I don't speak for an entire community; the ultra-Orthodox population is diverse, with many different lifestyles and perspectives. Yet, many companies have yet to fully appreciate the untapped wealth in this diversity.
Working with more traditional Orthodox women might not align with the conventional image of a 'cool' workplace culture. They're unlikely to join you for a casual coffee break or engage in small talk over a cigarette. Their conversations often revolve around marriage, motherhood, and yes, they are fond of deep, meaningful discussions. Despite their youth, they lead lives marked by responsibilities usually taken on by those a good seven to ten years older than them. And in a world where social media permeates every aspect of life, many of them choose to stay clear of it—even WhatsApp is often off the table.Â
These women start their days early, laser-focused on their work, operating with incredible efficiency to ensure they can wrap up by the afternoon to attend to their families. They're not particularly looking for mingling opportunities at work, for reasons too varied and personal to generalize. Often, they prefer sitting among women, not out of any discomfort working with men but simply as a matter of comfort and preference.
However, and this is a big however, when it comes to work, Orthodox women are profoundly serious and dedicated. They don't just come to work; they come to excel, to contribute maximally, and yes, to be challenged and to enjoy their roles. They want to leverage their logical abilities, invest in their tasks, and embrace creative and unconventional thinking—skills honed by growing up in a culture different from the mainstream. These women are hardworking, incredibly honest, and, like any group, vary in their levels of intelligence, communicative abilities, and commitment. But one thing stands out—they are immensely valuable team members.
Yet, a lot of companies hesitate to hire Orthodox women. Integrating a slightly different population requires adjustments. But should that deter us? Absolutely not. The richness that diversity brings to a team, the different perspectives and problem-solving approaches, can only enrich a company's culture and output.
And here's a plea: do not hire Orthodox women simply because you want to contribute to a national effort of inclusion. Hire them because of the myriad reasons I've outlined above. Hire them for their dedication, their unique perspectives, their work ethic, and their potential to enrich your company in ways you hadn't imagined.
Inclusion in the workplace isn't just about filling quotas or being politically correct. It's about recognizing the immense value and untapped potential that exists within our diverse communities. It's about understanding that with the right adjustments and an open mind, the workplace can become a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and perspectives, driving innovation and success.
By integrating Orthodox women into your teams, you're not just opening your doors to a new demographic—you're opening your company to a world of new ideas, unparalleled dedication, and the work ethic that can propel your projects forward. You're also taking a step towards creating a more inclusive, diverse, and dynamic workplace culture that values individuals for their contributions, their skills, and the unique perspectives they bring to the table.
Let us not shy away from the challenges of integration but instead see them as opportunities to grow, to learn, and to become better. Together, we can create work environments that not only thrive on diversity but also celebrate it, recognizing the strength it brings and the success it fosters.
If you're looking to make your workplace more inclusive and benefit from the incredible talent pool of Orthodox women, let's talk. Their unique point of view - Gen Z with the mindset of Gen X-Â will bring new perspectives into your team and foster innovation. We're here to guide you through the process, ensuring that your journey towards a more diverse workplace is both successful and rewarding.