Flexibility only goes so far, say two experts, and covers a small part of a healthy and respectful work culture. Tracy Fogale, senior manager of benefits at Kraft Heinz Canada: While flexibility is a critical way to retain employees, particularly women, in the workforce, it can’t tackle systemic issues such as the gender pay gap, […]
When Monika Mielnik joined Bell Canada as a temporary contractor, she was studying criminology and psychology and working towards joining the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. “I truly thought this was going to be an in and out experience . . . but as time progressed, I continued to excel and be empowered by many of […]
The more diverse a company is, the better talent they can attract — and in this competitive market, attracting and retaining workers is important to growth. According to a recent McKinsey & Co. report, companies are increasingly regarding inclusion and diversity as a source of competitive advantage and, specifically, as a key enabler of growth. In […]
Diversity in leadership matters. It signals who belongs and shapes the aspirations of employees, as well as communities more broadly. In recent years, the convergence of regulatory requirements, investor expectations and consumer demands has fuelled increased attention on representation on boards and in leadership roles in Canada. For example, a responsible investment survey by the […]
When Steph Rebello took her first job spearheading diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, she was excited to make change in the corporate world — but less than two years later, she was burnt out. “I wasn’t playing to my strengths,” says the Toronto woman. “I wasn’t actually fulfilling some of my design research skills and […]
The much-deserved, overdue and rising attention bestowed on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace over the last couple of years is a win-win for employers and employees — but it’s vital that a DEI focus goes beyond ideas and words and translates into action. Benefits Canada is seeing action across the industry, by benefits […]
While diversity, equity and inclusion has been a major focus over the past two years, good intentions must be matched by action. Wendy Cukier, founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University There’s been a lot more talk about DEI in recent years, which is a good thing. However, progress in some areas has […]
At the Alberta Investment Management Corp., diversity, equity and inclusion has catapulted up the priority list when it comes to investment strategy. While DEI has long played a role in the decisions of the AIMCo and other institutional investors, says Alison Schneider, the organization’s vice-president of responsible investing, she credits the coronavirus pandemic for catalyzing […]
Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives aren’t a new concept for employers — just ask any human resources professional. However, in a changing world marked by growing calls for social justice, many plan sponsors are extending these initiatives beyond workplace conduct and employee benefits into retirement planning, merging diversity with their pension plans’ designs and communications […]
AstraZeneca is taking steps to dismantle unconscious bias in the workplace as part of its wider efforts to embed diversity, equity and inclusion into its business practices. DEI has been a priority for the multinational pharmaceutical company for many years, specifically in the area of unconscious bias, says Gena Restivo, its vice-president of human resources, […]