Description

A welcoming workplace is essential to fostering employee productivity and retention. Employees who feel comfortable and valued at work are more likely to perform well and stay at your company. Creating a welcoming workplace is a key part of becoming a diverse and inclusive business. Employers who tap into the full potential of the region's workforce by building a welcoming and inclusive work environment are posed to better attract and retain workers. Join on on our journey through a series of educational sessions presented by a number of key speakers and industry professionals who will guide us in "Creating a Welcoming Workplace".

Host: Dean Chapman
The host for this series will be Dean Chapman, the founder of Frontline Benefits - a leading employee benefits consulting firm that is Setting the Bar for Benefits. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he is a seasoned expert in healthcare benefits, insurance and risk management. As a senior advisor, he is dedicated to working closely with clients to develop tailored benefit programs that meet their unique needs and goals. 

Podcast Topics

Disability is Diversity
Disability is diversity - and it is a type of diversity that teaches 'how to include.' With Canada projecting a loss of 25% of our workforce over the next 10-15 years, workers will increasingly come from diversity groups as well as younger generations that are more invested in diversity and inclusion.
    Panel: Brad & Jennifer Bartko, Accessible by Design
 

Recruiting & Retaining Newcomers to Canada
Significant portions of Canada's workforce have training and experience gained outside Canada. These internationally trained workers, including immigrants, refugees, international students and Canadians who trained or worked outside of the country, represent a valuable source of skills and talent and a growing proportion of Canada's talent pool. Our presentation will focus on this demographic; providing understanding and management tools to assist with hiring and retention. It is also anticipated to have a labour lawyer as part of the discussions.
    Panel: Ada Tai, BadaB & two addition panel

Hiring Indigenous Peoples
A commitment to employing Indigenous workers shows leadership and brings businesses the benefit of diverse perspectives. Hiring Indigenous people also provides a ready labour pool and builds connections with our communities.

The chamber has worked diligently to bring awareness to our businesses, elected leaders and other chambers across the province of the importance of building Indigenous relationships.

The Chamber recognizes that Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Nations, and Indigenous businesses are important contributors to all areas of our society, including economic, social, cultural, and political systems. The Chamber understands the more businesses and organizations across our region who to commit to enhancing the inclusion and participation of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Nations, and Indigenous businesses across every industry, business, Board of Directors, committees, levels of government can only be one of positivity, growth and harmony.
    Panel: Joanne Sharphead, Enoch Training and Development Team

Why Hire People with Disabilities - Disability & inclusion in the Workplace
Understanding that inclusive workplaces are good for business and the stats do not lie.  Organizations with inclusive cultures are:

• twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets.
• three times as likely to be high performing.
• six times more likely to be innovative and agile.
• eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes.
• increase innovation.
• improve productivity.
• reduce turnover.
• enhance job performance and work quality.
• attract the best and brightest employees.
• increase company morale.
• increase employee satisfaction and engagement.
• improve attendance.
• improve safety records.
• outperform in revenue growth.