Many employers of small and medium-sized businesses find it challenging to meet their staffing needs because of a shortage of knowledge and skills in the labour market. This shortage exists even in the best of economic climates and can make it very difficult for employers to achieve their business goals and boost their profit margins. An effective way of addressing the shortage is to utilize the transferrable skills available in Internationally Trained Individuals* (ITIs). This guide offers practical information and suggestions to empower employers to confidently tap into this important labour source and enhance their businesses.
* In this guide, Internationally Trained Individuals (ITIs) refer to refugees and immigrants who have been educated and/or trained outside Canada.
The guide aims to help employers of small to medium-sized businesses:
Equity is different from equality in that it provides for a tailored means to an end that results in the same outcomes for all. Having a workplace that is diverse is just the first step in the process and does not automatically make a workplace inclusive. Inclusion is about involving diverse individuals and promoting better participation for them in all aspects of the organization. Fostering a work environment of inclusion, where every member feels valued and is assured of opportunities for success, is important and helps make the workplace more respectful, stable, and productive. The guide promotes equity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages the adoption of an employment equity approach, which can offer big dividends.
An Inclusive Approach to Diversity
Check the practices that are currently applicable to you. If you are currently implementing eight or more of the following, you are well on your way to promoting inclusion and equity in your workplace. This guide will help you further improve your employment equity approach.