Students and Employers Come Together to Improve and Advance Workplace Inclusion

Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, and Co-operative Education and Career Services, in partnership with the READ Initiative (Research, Education, Accessibility and Design), and ACT to Employ hosted Carleton’s first Inclusive Workplace Forum. The forum gave the opportunity for students belonging to underrepresented groups to hear directly from employers on how they are creating a culture of inclusion in their workplaces, and to provide feedback to help organizations advance their goals.

“The forum was important to me because I learned that it is ok to ask for accommodations. During the panel I learned I can ask for an accommodation without the fear of an employer not wanting to interview me because it would be extra work,” said Bachelor of Commerce student and participant Jane Zaugg. “It made me realize the power is in my hands”.

The forum featured two panels: Social Identity & Inclusion in the Workplace, sponsored by Brookfield, and Creating a Culture of Access for People Living with Disabilities in the Workplace, sponsored by Ciena. The panels consisted of employer, alumni and student panelists, which allowed for a well-rounded discussion of different experiences with equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. 

Through Carleton’s Inclusive Workplace Forum, employers shared their strategies and outcomes, and heard students’ stories and lived experiences.

“Show you are putting in the effort – have diversity and EDI initiatives on your website, discuss inclusion in the interview. It is more appealing to work somewhere that has EDI representation from the beginning,” added Jane, reflecting on what employers should keep in mind when seeking new talent.

To close the evening, employers and students furthered their discussions and connected with each other during a networking reception, sponsored by Desjardins.

“As a financial cooperative and socioeconomic leader, we see diversity as a source of strength” said Malick Samba Fall, Wealth Management Advisor at Desjardins. “By promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, we can better meet the needs of our members and clients, employees and communities”.