Employment Equity & Diversity - Initiatives

 

Western is committed to equity in employment and is proud of the diversity of its workforce. We recognize the value and dignity of each individual and are committed to ensuring that all employees are able to effectively and efficiently use their skills and experience to contribute to the organization's performance, production and service delivery. Western fosters employment equity and diversity in the workplace through the following initiatives:

Recruitment and Retention

To improve the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and staff members from diverse backgrounds, Western has implemented the following:

  • Employment outreach initiatives: Western advertises all positions in media targeted at members of diverse groups. Western is also developing relationships with external associations in order to introduce greater diversity to the University work environment. (e.g. Partnership with WIL Employment Services)
  • Training sessions and information packages: Training sessions and information packages on employment equity and diversity have been developed for appointment committees and those making hiring and promotion decisions on campus.
  • Special initiatives to encourage the recruitment of women faculty members: Financial support is available to Faculties to assist with the recruitment and retention of tenured/probationary female academics. These funds may cover special expenses as well as support general recruitment and retention programs (e.g. mentoring programs in teaching or research).
  • Coordinated central support for recruitment and retention of faculty members: Under the direction of the Vice-Provost (Policy, Planning and Faculty), the Office of Faculty Recruitment and Retention (OFRR) has been established. This office acts as a resource to prospective, new and current faculty members and their spouses/partners at Western. In addition to offering assistance with spousal/partner employment placement, the OFRR has information on a variety of topics, including housing, childcare and eldercare, healthcare, ethno-cultural programs and immigration.

Professional and Career Development

Professional and career development opportunities are important aspects of Western’s employment equity and diversity initiatives. Western offers the following:

  • English as a second language courses: English as a second language (ESL) courses are offered through Continuing Studies at Western
  • Western’s Educational Assistance Plan: This financial assistance program is available to regular full-time employees interested in obtaining additional education, which will enhance their career development.
  • Foundational Leadership Skills Program: This leadership training program helps employees in positions of responsibility at Western to enhance the skills required by their leadership role.
  • Career Assessment and Development Services: These workshops are available to employees who want to change their career focus within Western. They provide the tools necessary to design and construct a well-managed career change.
  • Western’s Canadian Institute of Management (CIM) Program: Western Continuing Studies is offering a day-time version of the Canadian Institute of Management (CIM) Program for Western Leaders and Staff in administrative roles who are engaged in human resource, accounting or finance functions as part of their work (e.g. managers, directors, AO's, unit leaders, or other roles within a Faculty or a support unit).

Training and Educational Programs on Employment Equity & Diversity

Western, through Equity and Human Rights Services and the various committees dedicated to issues of employment equity and diversity, conducts training and education programs on employment equity, diversity, harassment and discrimination and other related issues. These programs are designed to meet the needs of faculty, staff, managers and students, and are, in many cases, adapted to meet the specific issues faced by the group involved in the training.

  • Information packages and training on employment equity to appointment committees
  • Diversity training given to staff in various units
  • Harassment and discrimination workshops given to staff in various units
  • Information sessions, workshops and guest speakers on diversity related issues

Duty to Accommodate

Western honours the duty to accommodate as prescribed by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The duty to accommodate applies to all 15 protected grounds outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code. Here are some examples of how the duty to accommodate fosters Western’s diversity:

  • To accommodate persons with disabilities, Western’s Human Resources, Equity and Human Rights Services and Rehabilitation Services offer support to meet the special needs of individuals (i.e. working to upgrade the accessibility of all facilities on campus, easing access to assistive devices, developing accommodation plans to adapt workstations).
  • Western is committed to recognizing and valuing the religious diversity of our campus members. Western will consider and grant requests for accommodation on the basis of religion, unless doing so will cause undue hardship. Western's online Multicultural Calendar provides detailed information on multifaith, multicultural and diversity related holidays and observances. To access Western's online calendar you will need your Western User ID and Password.

Benefits

The benefits listed below may be helpful for a variety of professional and personal situations. These programs help to foster a climate where diversity is recognized and valued:

  • Maternity and parental leaves
  • Leave of absence policies
  • Flexible working hours
  • Child Care services
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Workplace Health Clinic