Both sides stand to gain when companies launch mentoring programs
When Paul Klager signed up as a mentor for internationally trained professionals, he wanted to help others, especially newcomers, find work in their area of specialization.
But the experience was eyeopening for him, too.
“Before this experience, I personally took for granted many of the cultural challenges that some of my customers and internationally trained colleagues experience on a daily basis,” said Klager, account manager at Rockwell Automation, which manufactures automation equipment.
“I think participating in a mentorship program definitely changed me and helped me to better promote inclusiveness while respecting cultural heritage.”
Mentoring programs connecting new employees, including newcomers, to more experienced colleagues are a particular focus at Rockwell.
In 2014, the company’s Cambridge office participated in the Hamilton Immigrant Mentoring Partnership, organized by Workforce Planning Hamilton.
Klager was one of the 70 Rockwell employees paired with internationally trained professionals.
The mentoring program helped newcomers understand the Canadian business culture, primed them on what to expect during job searches, and exposed them to the Canadian workplace.
Through role-playing and mock interviews, Klager helped his mentee promote himself to local employers.
“This experience helped both mentees and mentors learn from each other,” said sales manager Craig Blondin.
“It helped Rockwell staff understand other cultures and different perspectives, while mentees took away practical tips and a better understanding of how it is to work in Canada. Both sides gained from this experience, and the cross-cultural learning helped open our eyes to other ways of thinking and doing business.”
Understanding other cultures and business practices in different countries is vital for Rockwell.
With more than half the company’s sales coming from outside North America, Rockwell is the largest supplier of dedicated factory equipment in the world and operates in 88 countries.
Reflecting the diverse customer base, much of Rockwell’s Canadian workforce is made up of employees from a variety of different cultures.
“We serve a global economy. Internationally trained professionals from different countries help Rockwell understand how business is done in other countries and their respective cultures,” said Blondin. “This allows Rockwell to adjust its practices and accommodate different markets.”
Rockwell has a number of initiatives supporting its diverse employees. It also organizes inclusion round tables where small groups gather over lunch to exchange thoughts on current issues.
These monthly meetings help staff get to know each other and create awareness about different perspectives.
Other initiatives, such as potlucks with food from different countries and an ongoing project to publish a cookbook with recipes from around the world, celebrate diversity at Rockwell.
This series is a joint initiative of the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council, Workforce Planning Hamilton and the City of Hamilton’s Global Hamilton Office. Know an employer who embraces diversity? Email global@hamilton.ca.