The Power of DEI in Recruitment and Retention | Key Insights from GRS Recruitment and Pathlight OD’s HR Breakfast

Ross Pitman

Business & Communications Director

The Power of DEI in Recruitment and Retention

Last Friday, GRS Recruitment had the pleasure of co-hosting another HR Breakfast, this time on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Our Business Manager, Ioulia Ananikidou, joined forces with Dr. Anastasia Lunyk-Gousev of Pathlight OD to lead a powerful discussion on how DEI can reshape recruitment and retention strategies.

A Morning of Insightful Conversations

We were thrilled to welcome many of our valued clients, who actively participated in thought-provoking discussions about modernising hiring practices, reducing unconscious bias, and creating inclusive workplaces where employees feel a true sense of belonging. Attendees gained insights from the speakers and had the opportunity to network with different industry representatives, sharing different tactics, ideas and best practises for incorporating DEI into their organisations.

Key Takeaways from the Event

  • DEI is more than a trend, it’s a business imperative that drives innovation, engagement, and long-term success.
  • Inclusive hiring starts with intentional strategies, such as diverse interview panels and focusing on “culture add” rather than “culture fit.”
  • Retention is just as important as recruitment, fostering belonging through mentoring, leadership upskilling, and employee engagement leads to stronger teams.
  • Companies that prioritise DEI see measurable benefits, from higher innovation revenue to improved market reach and employee satisfaction.

Moving Forward Together

The energy in the room was inspiring, and it was clear that businesses are eager to take actionable steps toward more diverse and equitable workplaces. As a recruitment firm, GRS Recruitment is committed to driving these conversations and helping organisations integrate DEI into their hiring and retention strategies.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this meaningful discussion! It is our collective responsibility to keep the momentum going and create workplaces that empower everyone to thrive.