A New Way of Building Inclusive Workplaces
TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - What does an inclusive workplace look like? How can Greater Toronto organizations be prepared to make the most of the region's diverse workforce? The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) has launched a new resource to help employers answer these questions.
Recent census data shows that over 46% of people in Toronto are immigrants, from countries across the world. The number of people from racialized communities has also grown, as has the number of children and grandchildren of immigrants.
More and more, diversity is a fact of today's labour market and employees in Canada now typically find themselves working alongside people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. TRIEC's new framework, the Inclusive Workplace Competencies, can help organizations fully leverage this diverse talent, and build a work environment where everyone can fully contribute.
Competencies describe what it looks like when you are performing effectively in your role. They list the core skills and behaviours that organizations expect their employees to demonstrate. They can be used in different ways, including in performance review and appraisals, during hiring processes, and to help employees determine their training and development needs.
TRIEC has developed a set of competencies that specifically set out what inclusive behaviour in the workplace looks like. They are adaptable so users can build their own customized list - and add them to their existing competency framework if their workplace already has one in place.
"Canada relies on immigrant talent, but employers need tools and resources to ensure everyone can contribute their skills and experience," said Margaret Eaton, TRIEC's Executive Director.
HR and diversity and inclusion professionals have already shown enthusiasm about implementing the resource. "It's a great way to embed diversity and inclusion into every part of the workplace," said Anita Sampson Binder, Vice President of Recruitment Strategy and Delivery at ARES Staffing Solutions. "From hiring and interviewing people, to training them, to performance management, they can be used in so many places."
For more information about the Inclusive Competencies and how organizations can use them, visit the TRIEC website: triec.ca/competencies
About the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)
TRIEC's mission is to build a Greater Toronto Area where immigrants can contribute to their fullest potential. We champion the talent and experience that immigrant professionals bring to the GTA. We work collaboratively to support organizations to become more culturally inclusive, and help newcomers expand their professional networks and understand the local labour market.
TRIEC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, Government of Ontario.
TRIEC's Inclusive Workplace Competencies were developed with support from CamProf, Inc and Graybridge Malkam and Associates, with support from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, Government of Ontario.
SOURCE Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council
Helen Davies, Senior Communications Manager, [email protected], 416 944 1946, ext 271
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