Modern, inclusionary policies make economic sense, employer says
The leader of a major Edmonton company says organizations hoping to create a more inclusive workplace could try something as simple as holding a potluck lunch.
“How do you make your organization feel safe for everyone? … A lot of it is how do you send the signals as an organization that you’re welcoming,” Jason Pincock, chief executive of Dynalife Diagnostics, said Thursday.
“It’s actually a competitive tool.” Dynalife employs more than 1,100 people in Alberta, including 800 to 900 in Edmonton, and about 40 per cent are members of a visible minority, he told a panel on the benefits of inclusionary policies hosted by the Edmonton Economic Development Corp.
Approaches such as putting larger tables in the lunch room so there’s room for big groups, setting up a space where people can practise their faith, and making some bathrooms gender-neutral are transparent and generally accepted by staff, he said.
“You’re not asking everyone to be uniform. You’re asking everyone to be welcoming and inclusive.”
Danielle Strang, head of people operations at Edmonton software startup Jobber, said while there’s fear about using an insensitive phrase to describe a group, it’s important to do your best.
Her company is setting up a task force among its 100 staff to ensure, among other things, that no one feels excluded, she said.
“Ask your employees, ‘Do you feel you can bring your whole selves to work?’ … That’s a step in the right direction.”
Edmonton Centre Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault said the world economy loses billions of dollars annually because of lower productivity from people who face discrimination or lack of acceptance on the job. Polls show customers prefer to do business with inclusive companies, he said.
“We face struggles around competition, technology and aging, so we have to invite everybody to bring their best selves to work,” he said.
“Make sure that people see themselves as part of your organization … Companies and organizations that reflect society do better.”