Reference no: EM133138828
Canada's best companies find strength in diversity
DIANE JERMYN
SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL
PUBLISHED MARCH 4, 2016 UPDATED MARCH 24, 2017
Today, as refugees from Syria and many other countries arrive on our shores, Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2016 are showing how to welcome them into the workplace. These employers are leaders in creating an inclusive environment where individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds are recognized and valued for who they are at work, setting an example not only for Canadian business but also organizations around the world. In reflecting the diversity of the people who make up Canada - including new immigrants, aboriginal people and those with disabilities - these organizations also reap the benefits, becoming stronger and more innovative through the addition of fresh voices.
For instance, Rogers Communications Inc. partners with the Career Bridge internship program to provide employment opportunities to internationally educated professionals. Accenture Inc. maintains a global Persons with Disabilities Champions program, which is focused on workplace accommodations. And British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority encourages managers to hire skilled newcomers at junior-level positions, providing a defined career advancement plan, including timelines for performance and development reviews.
Kristina Leung, senior editor of Canada's Top 100 Employers, notes that employers continue to have conversations about diverse groups outside of those captured by the competition, such as those with "invisible" disabilities such as mental health issues, cognitive and learning disabilities, and persons with lived experience of addiction. Examples include Ryerson's mental health policy lens and advisory committee and Sodexo's Williow Bean Café, which provides opportunities for persons with mental health challenges to gain practical work experience. Additionally, a growing number of employers, such as Mount Sinai Hospital and Dentons Canada, are further addressing gender policies for the workplace.
In promoting inclusiveness and diversity though their workplaces, these Canadian employers represent Canada at its best.
Methodology
Canada's Best Diversity Employers competition recognizes the leading organizations across the country when it comes to creating inclusive workplaces for employees from five diverse groups: women; visible minorities; persons with disabilities and aboriginal peoples.
To determine the 65 winners for 2016, Mediacorp editors reviewed the submissions of all the employers that applied for Canada's Top 100 Employers project, shortlisting those with noteworthy and unique diversity initiatives. Those candidates were further reviewed to determine how their programs compared to others in the same field. The finalists chosen represent the diversity leaders in their industry and region of Canada.
Examples of Canada's Best Diversity Employers (2016)
Air Canada, Saint-Laurent, Que. Airline; 23,142 employees. Played host to two "Women in Aviation" events to encourage female employees to establish networks in the workplace.
Home Depot of Canada Inc., Toronto. Retail; 12,000 employees. Maintains an action committee to work on implementing measures to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Questions
- Why are Canada's Best Diversity Employers considered leaders?
- How do these employers benefit from being diverse?
- What are some of the characteristics of today's diverse workplace?
- In addition to the examples in the article, provide two examples of Canada's Best
Diversity Employers from 2017 and explain why.
https://www.canadastop100.com/diversity/