Alberta Employment First Network works collaboratively with employers, service providers, and job seekers to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. By engaging employers through training and providing the tools for inclusive hiring practices, these individuals can be involved in workplaces that support and retain them sustainably.
Building an inclusive workplace goes beyond just hiring the individuals who have a disability, or are Indigenous, Black or people of colour. To be able to retain and offer individuals a successful experience, employers can ensure that training methods and processes are curated to match an individual’s needs. When businesses work with AEFN, they are teaming up with people who will train employers with the tools necessary to create an equitable, inclusive and diverse environment that can be curated to an individual’s needs and ensure their success.
The Government of Canada offers the following points as relevant practices to create an inclusive, diverse and equitable work environment:
- Your business’ EDI process should be well resourced
- EDI should be executed at all levels
- Make inclusive hiring a priority
- Set goals and benchmarks
- Establish an EDI advisory committee, whether it is internal or through AEFN
- Create a space of open conversation for marginalized individuals who are often ignored
- Provide a variety of accessible resources to staff
- Ensure sustainable and long term commitment to EDI
- Understand that the curation of inclusive environment is an ongoing journey and not a destination
The benefit of incorporating these key points and working with a network such as AEFN, is that businesses will be receiving well resourced training tools and information on EDI focused employment for their employees with disabilities. AEFN and service providers help employers talent match for open positions and remain in communication with employers even beyond the hiring process. This ensures that both the job seeker and employee have someone to touch base with if need of more resources or communication.
Contrary to popular belief, inclusive employment practices are not only beneficial to individuals with disabilities.
Inclusion creates a healthier and more accessible work environment for every employee involved. The accessible opportunities can be accessed by anyone and end up being helpful for individuals who may not have a disability, or who have a non visible disability. In 2017, one in five individuals over the age of 15 reported having a disability in the Canadian Survey on Disability. In 2017, this was 6.2 million people – a number that is going up through the years, requiring EDI focused practices from employers and businesses.
If you or your employer have any questions about inclusive, diverse and equitable employment, contact us today.
Author : Mariebelle Sawma
