General Questions about Diversity in the Workplace

Answers provided by Diversity Program

1) What is workplace diversity?
Workplace diversity means creating an inclusive environment that embraces people's
individual differences and provides opportunities for all staff to achieve their full potential.
When staff are encouraged to work in their areas of strength and capability, they are
happier, more productive and more likely to stay with the organization.

2) What are the benefits of a diverse workforce?
Recognizing diversity also allows for employees to feel needed and have a sense of
belonging, which in turn increases their commitment to the company and allows each
person to contribute in a unique way.

Other Highlights of a diverse workforce:
Builds trust and reassurance
Reduces absenteeism and workplace bullying
Minimizes workplace conflicts, safety and health concerns
3) How do I retain a diverse workforce?
Retaining a diverse workforce is as easy as respecting people and embracing the
differences that exist in your organization. You can also include diversity as part of your
mission statement and display it on your website. This works both for recruiting and
retaining a diverse staff. As well be aware of your own biases and stereotypes and
integrate diversity training into your work environment.






15 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society diversityteam.org


4) What practical steps can an employer take to maintain a diverse workforce?
Employees stay at organizations because they feel valued, respected, and appreciated.
Great ways to engage diverse talent are through executive/leadership-development
programs and ongoing mentoring for promotional opportunities. Employees should be
encouraged at every level to participate in the diversity process. Expert from Lynn D.
Liber. Employment Relations Today DOI 10.1002/ert90 Winter 2012

5) Why hire an immigrant?
By 2030, immigration will account for nearly all of Canadas population growth. The
Canadian-born workforce is shrinking and the demand for labour is growing. Skilled
immigrants fill that need and help Canadian companies do business with the world. They
boost innovation and reflect the markets in which Canadian organizations operate. (From
hireimmigrants.ca- a useful website with tools and resources supporting the recruitment,
retention and promotion of skilled immigrants).

6) What can employers do to attract both Immigrant and Aboriginal candidates?

Reach out to different places. If you are always recruiting from the same place. It will be
hard to increase your diversity. Contact the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural society
and local Aboriginal Employment programs offered through Snuneymuxw, Tillicum and
Nanaimo Youth Services- just to name a few to find a more diverse labour pool.


Other Highlights

Expanding your business network employing Immigrant and Aboriginal persons increases
your exposure to new networks and communities

Marketing Opportunities a growing network of Immigrant and Aboriginal
People and communities may lead to increased market opportunities

Growing Workforce hiring Immigrant and Aboriginal workers provides
short and long term access to a growing labour pool

Source: Work Toolkit: Under the Labour Radar
http://www.workbc.ca/docs/toolKit_Book3.pdf








7) B.C. has so many skilled immigrants; we dont need to worry, right?
In British Columbia, more than one million jobs will be created by 2015. At the same time,
more than one quarter of the current workforce will retire. This is a challenge for which
there need to be both short and long term solutions. Across the globe countries are
experiencing similar demands for labour. With this new reality, British Columbia is in direct
competition with other regions for skilled workers. (From Campbell River and Area
Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association)
8) In the present economic environment it is hard for me to think of hiring at this point?
While the current economic slowdown may lead to lay-offs or a freeze in hiring in some
sectors a temporary respite, labour shortage will soon be felt across many sectors. Falling
birth rates, unprecedented retirements and an increasing demand for top talent will
continue put pressure on employers to meet their labour force needs, more so when the
economic slowdown rebounds.
9) I am worried about how the new diverse population is going to adapt to our community. I
want to hire a more diverse staff, but what if they cannot get used to Nanaimo?
Staff is always the most valuable asset to an organization. You want to make sure they feel
comfortable and supported in a new place. Central Vancouver Island Multicultural
Society has various services to help new employees to settle in the area, including
language learning, settlement support and much more. Go to CVIMS.org
10) Immigrants and local people both can work. I still dont see the point of hiring
immigrants instead of local people.
Hiring locally is important. However, when this is not an option, it is important to consider
the asset immigrants bring to your organization. According to Intercultural Employment
Department if Kamloops Immigrants Services, by hiring immigrants and visible
minorities, employees gain employees with great diversity in their education, training,
skills and life experience. These employees bring a fresh perspective and diverse point
of view, allowing businesses to better connect with clientele. (From Campbell River
and Area Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association)







Specific questions asked in Employment Programs working with diverse clients
Answers provided by Employment Consultants and Program Coordinators of Employment
Programs
Client questions from Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
11) Can I get help to pay for training or courses?
It depends on the type of training and if you meet the eligibility criteria. The central
Vancouver Island Multicultural Society has many employment programs to suit the needs
of our clients go to: www.cvims.org (Answered by Anna Thankachan, Employment Advisor,
and Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society)
CVIMS Employment Counselling offers:
Individualized career decision making and planning;
Assessment of your abilities, skills, experience and other qualifying characteristics;
Access to evaluation of foreign credentials;
Improved understanding of job search strategies, occupational research and Labour
Market Information;
Support with resume development, interview preparation and learning what employers
are looking for;
Specialized support for new immigrants trying to achieve success in the Canadian
workplace
12) SKILLS CONNECT FOR IMMIGRANTS
Who Can Participate?
Eligible program participants MUST have permanent resident status in Canada.
It is preferred that program participants also meet the following criteria:
o Have arrived in Canada within the last 5 years
o Have at least intermediate English language skills
o Are either unemployed and not receiving provincial or federal assistance, or are
under employed and not working at a level that utilizes their pre-arrival skills,
experience and knowledge
The Skills Connect for Immigrants program provides an individual approach, tailored to
meet your needs. Go to www.cvims.org click on employment program to find out
more.






General Employment Program Questions for Immigrants and Aboriginal Job Seekers:

Answered provided by programs website, Employment Consultants and Program
Coordinators

13) What is I STEP?
I STEP is a program to help landed immigrants get jobs and build careers in B.C.'s
construction industry. The industry needs skilled trades' people and workers who want to
start a career in construction.
13 (b) How does it work?
Immigrants who have experience or interest in the construction trades will be matched
to employers who need workers.
Job Coaches will assess your skills, experience and credentials and help connect you to
a suitable job with the right employer.
Job Coaches will continue to help you when you are on the job, and advise you on
training to improve your skills and your earnings. Go to:
http://www.istepbc.ca/faqimmigrants.html
14) I am an Aboriginal person in BC looking to pursue post-secondary education and
training, where do I find information to support me?
Many programs and services are available for Aboriginal learners in B.C.
Aboriginal Education Initiatives
Need help funding your education? You may be eligible for one or more of the following
bursaries:
First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program provides financial assistance to Aboriginal
students enrolled in post-secondary education.
Chief Joe Mathias British Columbia Aboriginal Scholarship Fund a nationally registered
charity available to Aboriginal students in need.
Aboriginal Employment Initiatives
Considering self-employment? Aboriginal Best is a 12-week program that teaches
business skills and provides resources for starting a business.











15) Job Options B.C.

What is the fastest way I can find a job?
As a job seeker the best way to find employment is to know you. This means you need
to assess the skills you can bring to a position. The second step is to examine the labour
market. What jobs do you see, how do your skills fit in the current labour market and
third determine what are your next steps. This could include further training or adjusting
your expectations according to what is available. Employment programs such as Job
Options can help you realize the potential you possess and the skills you may need to
move you one step closer to landed employment.

Answered by: Lesley White, Case Manager/Facilitator of Job Options B.C.

Job Options BC is an employment and skills training program that can help
unemployed British Columbians gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to
find employment. To find out more go to: www.cvims.org.