Hiring People Who ‘Fit in’ Is an Outdated Strategy

The middle market, which by some measures amounts to just 3% of U.S. companies yet accounts for one-third of private sector GDP and employment, is a vital driver of the economy. As vaccination rates rise, the RSM Middle Market Business Index reports mid-market firms are poised to go on a hiring spree in the near term. Such optimism bodes well for a swift return to pre-pandemic days. It also makes for an opportune time to address an issue that pre-dates COVID-19: For all the ways in which this market segment leads, it has fallen off the pace when it comes to diversity—by gender and by race/ethnicity—in the leadership ranks.