Discover how you can create a culture of equality in your workplace
Introduction
This webpage is designed to help you, our members find the information you need to develop an effective culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in your organization, and further promote that culture within the community.We have begun to create and curate this collection of resources chosen specifically for a business audience. Resources are organized by topic and can be used alone or alongside others. We will add to and update these resources regularly and urge you to check back frequently. As always, we welcome membership feedback.
Embracing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in today’s dynamic business landscape, means that you are committed to advancement. Workplaces where a culture of EDI is fostered allow employees to feel valued and respected, driving innovation and creativity. Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is central to attracting talented employees and setting your company up for success.
Here are some Canadian statistics that highlight the importance of companies embracing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):
Economic Performance
A McKinsey & Company study found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile and this same study discovered that companies in the top quartile for being ethnically and culturally diverse are 36% more profitable than those in the bottom quartile.
Employee Retention and Satisfaction:
According to a 2019 report by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, organizations with inclusive cultures experience an 8.6% improvement in overall team performance and a 5.6% increase in employee retention.
Innovation and Creativity
The same report by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion indicated that organizations with diverse and inclusive cultures are 6 times more likely to be innovative and agile.
Customer Insight and Market Growth
A report by the Conference Board of Canada noted that diverse leadership teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets, enhancing growth and profitability.
Reputation and Brand
The Canada Business Network states that companies with strong EDI policies are viewed more favorably by the public, which can boost a company’s reputation and attract top talent.
These statistics underscore the tangible benefits of EDI, showing that embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment can lead to improved financial performance, enhanced employee satisfaction, greater innovation, and stronger market presence.
Here are some of the resources to get you started on your EDI journey.
- Inclusive Hiring Practices
- Benefits of Socioeconomic Diversity to Organizations
- Creating Meaningful Land Acknowledgements
- Dates of Significance Calendar
- Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workplace
- Speaker Code of Conduct
- Inclusive Events Checklist
With more to come.
Resources
Inclusive Hiring Practices
Inclusive hiring practices broaden the talent pool by attracting diverse candidates, fostering innovation and creativity. They create a fair and equitable recruitment process, enhancing the organization’s reputation. Inclusive hiring also improves employee satisfaction and retention, leading to a stronger, more dynamic workforce.
The following link will provide you with the Niagara Region’s Human Resources Best Practices Guidebook on how to increase diversity and inclusion in recruitment, hiring and promotion.
Benefits of Socioeconomic Diversity to Organizations
Embracing socioeconomic diversity enriches organizations by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to innovative problem-solving. It fosters a more inclusive culture, enhances team collaboration, and reflects a broader customer base. This diversity strengthens organizational resilience and adaptability, driving overall success and growth.
The following white paper from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology provides a list of Do’s and Don’ts that will help you ensure that employees will be afforded the opportunities to succeed professionally in your workplace.
Creating Meaningful Land Acknowledgements
Using the right resources to prepare a land acknowledgment provides accurate, localized information about Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties. It helps ensure that acknowledgments are respectful and accurate, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories and cultures, and promoting meaningful reconciliation efforts.
The following link will provide you with extensive resources and geographic specific information when developing a meaningful land acknowledgement.
Dates of Significance Calendar
Utilizing resources that provide dates of significance helps organizations recognize and honor important cultural and historical events. This awareness fosters a more inclusive workplace, promotes diversity, and supports meaningful engagement with diverse communities and their experiences.
The Government of Canada provides a list with some of the important and commemorative days.
Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workplace
Creating a trans-inclusive workplace fosters a respectful and supportive environment, enhancing employee well-being and productivity. It attracts diverse talent, reduces turnover, and strengthens the organization’s reputation. A trans-inclusive culture promotes equality, respect, and innovation, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.
The following link is a valued resource in creating trans-inclusive workplaces and making transgender employees feel valued at work.
Speaker Code of Conduct
Having a speaker code of conduct at events or meetings ensures respectful and inclusive communication, setting clear expectations for behavior. It promotes a safe and welcoming environment, encourages diverse perspectives, and helps prevent discrimination or bias, fostering a positive experience for all participants.
The following link is GNCC’s code of conduct outline for speakers.
Inclusive Events Checklist
Utilizing an events checklist that includes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) items ensures that all aspects of your event are inclusive and welcoming. It helps identify and address potential biases, enhances accessibility, and fosters a respectful and diverse environment for all participants.
The following link with provide you with a sample checklist to elements to consider when preparing for an event.
EDI Partners
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EDI in the News
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Please note, all information is accurate as of date posted. Policies may have updated or changed since posting date. Please refer to your own company’s policies and procedures in all cases.