Canadians are rightfully proud of our country’s multiculturalism and diversity, and of all we do to support and sustain it. Many of Canada’s top employers are those whose hiring practices and human resources polices value diversity in the workplace, too. Whatever your background, it’s something you should factor in when considering whether you and an employer are a good fit.
For a complete list of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, visit canadastop100.com/diversity
Sodexo Canada Ltd, the Government of Manitoba, Enbridge Inc., CIBC, and Stikeman Elliott were among the 55 employers who were noted for implementing some unique diversity initiatives. Some of these include addressing LGBT issues across Canada, recruiting visible minority women and Aboriginal job seekers, and aggressively pursuing persons
with disabilities.
Over the past 15 years, Mediacorp Canada Inc. has created over 15 competitions for excellence in employment practices, including Canada’s Top 100 Employers, which recognizes those who have created especially favourable workplaces.
Eight years ago, the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers
competition was born to examine the community involvement and charitable initiatives of the Top 100 Employers.
The companies were assessed based on their initiatives benefitting five traditionally under-represented employee groups: women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people(s) and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) community. The overall goal of the competition is to inform the public about the programs available and encourage more employers to implement similar initiatives.
“I think [diversity] is important because it reflects the changing social fabric of not just the Canadian workforce, but the makeup of Canada as a country and its citizens,” says Kristina Leung, the lead editor for
the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers competition.
“We are diverse by nature and thus, we should address this subject in the workplace as well,” she says.
SHIFT TO INCLUSION
Since the awards began, Leung has seen a difference in how employers approach the subject, focusing on inclusion and going beyond the five focus communities of the competition.
“We’re not just talking about recognizing that diversity exists, but ensuring we have initiatives to help build that inclusion,” says Leung.
A greater emphasis has also been put on creating employment opportunities versus community awareness events and addressing hot topics, such as mental health and generational differences among “millennials” and workers approaching retirement, she says.
DIVERSITY EMPLOYER
The University of Toronto was one of 55 employers who made the cut from the 3,500 applications submitted to Mediacorp.
The university has placed an importance on mental health in the workplace by creating seminars for managers to understand how to deal with mental health issues and accommodations, such as
“Convergence on Mental Health in the Workplace,” which addresses people with serious mental health issues, as well as anxiety, depression and stress.
“We really try to build resilience with students, faculty and staff,” says Tanya “Toni” De Mello, an equity and diversity officer for the University of Toronto Scarborough.
These seminars add to a long list of existing diversity initiatives introduced by the university, including single-user washrooms for transgender people, families, people with accessibility issues and religious groups; a mentorship program to help people who face similar inclusivity issues navigate the school easily; and an equity report for the Scarborough campus.
“I think it’s best to think of ways where we don’t isolate people, but we look to ways that they can contribute at their maximum potential,” says De Mello.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
When seeking an employer who values diversity, De Mello suggests looking past employers who try to “tick boxes to win diversity awards.”
“I’d really look for a place that supports employee development and recognizes all the unique gifts you bring. I think it’s important to find an employer that acknowledges that we’re different and we need different things,” she says.
The type of work you choose is the other component.
“If the work is meaningful to you then you’re more likely to be successful and you’re more likely to show your skills and talents,” says De Mello.for more info, check out avant career
For a complete list of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, visit canadastop100.com/diversity
Sodexo Canada Ltd, the Government of Manitoba, Enbridge Inc., CIBC, and Stikeman Elliott were among the 55 employers who were noted for implementing some unique diversity initiatives. Some of these include addressing LGBT issues across Canada, recruiting visible minority women and Aboriginal job seekers, and aggressively pursuing persons
with disabilities.
Over the past 15 years, Mediacorp Canada Inc. has created over 15 competitions for excellence in employment practices, including Canada’s Top 100 Employers, which recognizes those who have created especially favourable workplaces.
Eight years ago, the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers
competition was born to examine the community involvement and charitable initiatives of the Top 100 Employers.
The companies were assessed based on their initiatives benefitting five traditionally under-represented employee groups: women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people(s) and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) community. The overall goal of the competition is to inform the public about the programs available and encourage more employers to implement similar initiatives.
“I think [diversity] is important because it reflects the changing social fabric of not just the Canadian workforce, but the makeup of Canada as a country and its citizens,” says Kristina Leung, the lead editor for
the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers competition.
“We are diverse by nature and thus, we should address this subject in the workplace as well,” she says.
SHIFT TO INCLUSION
Since the awards began, Leung has seen a difference in how employers approach the subject, focusing on inclusion and going beyond the five focus communities of the competition.
“We’re not just talking about recognizing that diversity exists, but ensuring we have initiatives to help build that inclusion,” says Leung.
A greater emphasis has also been put on creating employment opportunities versus community awareness events and addressing hot topics, such as mental health and generational differences among “millennials” and workers approaching retirement, she says.
DIVERSITY EMPLOYER
The University of Toronto was one of 55 employers who made the cut from the 3,500 applications submitted to Mediacorp.
The university has placed an importance on mental health in the workplace by creating seminars for managers to understand how to deal with mental health issues and accommodations, such as
“Convergence on Mental Health in the Workplace,” which addresses people with serious mental health issues, as well as anxiety, depression and stress.
“We really try to build resilience with students, faculty and staff,” says Tanya “Toni” De Mello, an equity and diversity officer for the University of Toronto Scarborough.
These seminars add to a long list of existing diversity initiatives introduced by the university, including single-user washrooms for transgender people, families, people with accessibility issues and religious groups; a mentorship program to help people who face similar inclusivity issues navigate the school easily; and an equity report for the Scarborough campus.
“I think it’s best to think of ways where we don’t isolate people, but we look to ways that they can contribute at their maximum potential,” says De Mello.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
When seeking an employer who values diversity, De Mello suggests looking past employers who try to “tick boxes to win diversity awards.”
“I’d really look for a place that supports employee development and recognizes all the unique gifts you bring. I think it’s important to find an employer that acknowledges that we’re different and we need different things,” she says.
The type of work you choose is the other component.
“If the work is meaningful to you then you’re more likely to be successful and you’re more likely to show your skills and talents,” says De Mello.for more info, check out avant career
