feature
So, how do we approach employing
people with disabilities? Flexibility and
open-mindedness are key, says the ESDC
report. Accessibility features, once in
place, often provide benefits to everyone,
not just people with disabilities.
Employers report multiple direct and
indirect benefits to making accommodations.
The first and foremost is attracting
and retaining quality talent.
INCLUSION IS KEY
Canada is quickly approaching a talent shortage.
Increasing the diversity of our workforce
is now more urgent than ever, and building
an inclusive work environment is key.
When hiring people from non-traditional
groups into our workforces, it’s extremely
important that we prepare our organizations
to accept and include the new entrants
to ensure that everyone works effectively
together and no one feels marginalized
or excluded. It is in our best interest as a
country and as HR professionals to create
the best conditions so that we can tap into
any under-represented talent and prepare
Canada for a brighter future. n
Cathy Gallagher-Louisy is director,
Knowledge Services at the Canadian Centre
for Diversity and Inclusion.
WITH OUR TRADITIONAL TALENT POOLS SHRINKING, A
TALENT SHORTAGE LOOMING AND ITS ACCOMPANYING
NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRISIS, WE MUST MAKE THE MOST OF
ALL THE TALENT WE HAVE. DIVERSITY IS THE WAY TO GO.
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26 ❚ MAY/JUNE 2015 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL