5. Integrating and Retaining Internationally Trained Workers
5.4 Creating an inclusive workplace
Make your workplace truly Canadian–make sure it welcomes everyone.
There is no better way to improve the morale of your organization and ensure the dedication of your employees than by creating a welcoming workplace. Make sure that welcome extends to ITWs.
- Employ workers with different backgrounds.
- Create a unifying vision for your organization that brings together workers from all cultures.
- Create a climate where all workers are welcomed by their colleagues and managers, and let all workers know this is important to your organization.
- Provide a formal orientation program that makes new workers feel valued and included.
- To put newcomers at ease, pair them with existing staff members, if possible with people who share the same cultural backgrounds.
- Connect newly arrived ITWs with people and community supports that will help them and their families settle.
- Provide diversity and cross-cultural training to all staff.
- Celebrate your cultural diversity in posters, newsletters or other communications. Hold social events that celebrate different cultures.
- Create opportunities to communicate the value of diversity, with specific mention of ITWs.
- Participate in and support initiatives related to hiring, mentoring, promoting and retaining ITWs. Encourage everyone in your organization to participate.
- Identify workers to champion diversity in your organization. Include them in decision making, and give them the scope and resources to implement special initiatives to create an inclusive culture.
- Ensure access to management and higher-level opportunities for ITWs.