City honored for adopting new hiring system

City honored for adopting new hiring system
<strong> CourtesyWest Michigan Works! </strong>

Grand Rapids, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation and West Michigan Works! were recognized by local lawmakers and talent development officials for implementing a new hiring system that provides equal access to opportunity in employment.

The city worked with HireReach, which provided half-day training workshops, individual consulting support and ongoing assistance in implementing evidence-based selections.

Through the partnership, the city revamped its hiring process to a science-based approach.

“With HireReach, we have been able to hire based on competencies using high-quality tools to hire candidates and bring out the best in them, ensuring they are in the right role — which is great for our organization and the candidate,” said Desiree Foster, human resources director, city of Grand Rapids.

In 2018, the W.K. Kellogg and Doug & Maria DeVos foundations funded a three-year program through West Michigan Works! to support employers in adopting HireReach.