Getting Started: Inclusive Hiring

Start by assessing your hiring practices to identify and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Presidents Group is a network of BC business leaders who are champions for more accessible, inclusive workplaces. As BC’s go-to organization for employers looking to hire more inclusively they provide tools, resources and training to support recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities.  The free  Disability Inclusive Employer Self-Assessment supports learning where you’re doing well and where there is room to improve inclusion. Additionally, reach out to your local WorkBC Centre for expert guidance and resources to kickstart your inclusive hiring journey.

More and more, businesses are valuing an inclusive culture. With 10% of his staff being people with disabilities, Peter Boyd shared: “At Peter’s Your Independent Grocer, we don’t necessarily find candidates; candidates now actively seek us out for job opportunities, especially after hiring our first team member. Organizations like Canucks Autism Network (CAN) frequently inquire about available positions. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, have something meaningful to contribute.”

Peter Boyd, owner of Peter's Your Independent Grocer in Kelowna, is dedicated to inclusive hiring and advocates for its benefits to businesses.

Furthermore, Peter shares that utilizing a personalized onboarding approach, catering to the learning styles and abilities of new employees is crucial. This includes pairing them with experienced staff, offering hands-on training, and providing additional time for learning. Employees’ support workers are also welcome to provide additional coaching if needed. 

Onboarding and Accommodations

Once a new employee joins, training and accommodation are crucial. Contrary to common misconceptions, not all employees with disabilities require costly accommodation. In fact, often accommodation is inexpensive or free. 

Kool Kats Kid Care in Prince George, for instance, accommodated an employee with ADHD by providing affordable Loop earplugs to manage sensory issues while driving. This simple solution helped mitigate noise concern without compromising on safety. “Creating a safe space where employees feel supported is key.” – said Jessie Simoszko, Business Manager. 
 

BCAA creates a supporting work environment, ensuring all employees have the opportunity to succeed.

BCAA made a simple adjustment for an employee with profound hearing loss by installing a visual doorbell and repositioning their workstation - “These little adjustments are not expensive or arduous, but they made a big difference in enabling our team members to do their roles as effectively as possible”.

Supportive Workplace Culture

Creating a supportive workplace culture is essential when implementing inclusive hiring practices. This includes integrating new employees and ensuring a welcoming environment. 

Jessie from Kool Kats emphasized the importance of open communication and education. “Communication is crucial! We want everyone to feel safe asking questions and bringing up concerns,” Jessie explains. “When we talk openly, we can make adjustments easily.”
 

Kool Kats Kid Care in Prince George, which opened just a year ago, is committed to inclusive hiring practices.

Peter Boyd advocates for a supportive culture where colleagues and supervisors are educated to accommodate diverse needs. Reflecting on a past experience, he shared how his team reassessed a new employee’s role to better match their skills, improving their performance and demonstrating company’s commitment to support all team members effectively.

Impact on the Community and Business

Citing research from Accessible Employers’ Make It Count Guide, 615,000+ working-age British Columbians identifying as having a disability – over 20 per cent of the population –highlighting the potential of this untapped talent pool. 

BCAA notes, “data shows that 70% of disabilities are invisible," making a compelling case for inclusive practices. 

Peter Boyd advises: "Hiring inclusively can present challenges such as the need for retraining or longer orientation, but the benefits are profound and far-reaching. By embracing inclusive hiring practices, you empower often overlooked groups within our community. The rewards extend beyond business growth and success. Each day, you can take pride in knowing that you've empowered lives and strengthen your community. Inclusive hiring builds a reputation for social responsibility and inclusivity, which resonates greatly with customers."