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Embracing Inclusive Recruitment: Insights from the December CODE Workshop   

December 18, 2024

The second CODE workshop of the season, hosted by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, focused on a vital topic for today’s workforce: Inclusive Recruitment. Designed to help businesses navigate the challenges of attracting and retaining diverse talent, the workshop offered actionable insights on embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into recruitment and retention strategies. Speakers emphasized the need for workplaces to adapt in response to the rapidly evolving workforce, especially by focusing on underrepresented groups such as newcomers, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples. 

Recognizing the Importance of DEI in Recruitment 

As highlighted during the session, inclusive recruitment practices are not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. In today’s competitive labor market, businesses that embrace diversity foster innovation, resilience, and creativity. By ensuring equity in opportunities, organizations create stronger teams reflective of the communities they serve, which fosters trust, engagement, and a sense of belonging. 

Practical Approaches to Inclusive Recruitment 

Key speakers from TIPI Group of Companies, Economic Development Winnipeg, and St.Amant shared their expertise, emphasizing actionable steps your business can take: 

  1. Universal Design in Hiring: 
  • Incorporate plain language in job postings to make them accessible to candidates with diverse abilities and language proficiencies. 
  • Offer flexible interview options, including virtual interviews, and allow candidates to bring support persons if needed.

2. Tailoring Recruitment Platforms: 

  • Tools like the Work in Manitoba Job Portal connect employers with diverse talent pools through AI-driven matching. This platform helps businesses reduce administrative burden by streamlining candidate selection based on skills and qualifications while enabling job seekers to self-declare diverse identities.

3. Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments: 

  • Organizations should foster supportive environments where employees feel safe disclosing their needs. For instance, providing accommodations for neurodiverse individuals can ensure they thrive professionally while enriching workplace culture with their unique perspectives. 

Real-World Success Stories 

TIPI Group of Companies shared their commitment to reconciliation through policies that address cultural and familial considerations specific to Indigenous communities. They emphasized the value of integrating Indigenous leadership models and adopting the Seven Sacred Teachings to guide organizational values. 

Economic Development Winnipeg showcased the Work in Manitoba Job Portal as a bridge between employers and underrepresented groups, illustrating how technology can enhance equitable hiring. With over 14,000 job seekers on the platform, including many Indigenous and newcomer candidates, the portal exemplifies the benefits of proactive recruitment strategies. 

Meanwhile, St.Amant’s presentation highlighted their efforts to support persons with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment. By presuming competence, fostering universal design, and educating workplaces on accommodating diverse needs, St.Amant has successfully built an inclusive workforce. 

Why This Matters and Next Steps

Participants left the workshop with a clear understanding of the tangible benefits of inclusive recruitment. Beyond meeting DEI goals, these practices ensure businesses remain competitive by tapping into the full spectrum of talent available in the workforce. The session reinforced that DEI is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing journey requiring commitment, reflection, and adaptation. 

The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration and learning from lived experiences. By partnering with communities, leveraging innovative tools, and fostering inclusive environments, businesses can lead the way in advancing equity and reconciliation in the workplace. 

For those looking to deepen their understanding, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s CODE workshops offer invaluable resources and networking opportunities.

Visit the CODE webpage to stay informed about future workshops as we continue to explore ways to make workplaces more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.