2017 Embracing Diversity Full Report

Not surprisingly, the specific services and/or supports that were identified by employers to assist
newcomers in becoming more employable, include transportation supports, such as car share
programs, and affordable housing. ESL services were identified as being extremely important.
“…We would need to network with agencies in the
community to identify (possible) barriers and work
toward solutions to provide support for newcomers
to encourage employment.”
Employer
An outside stakeholder from Partners in Employment provided some additional insight into employer
experience with newcomers in Perth and Huron Counties. From this stakeholder’s perspective,
some newcomers are not attracted to the area because wages are not high enough. The living
wage in Perth and Huron County have been calculated as being $16.47 by SRPC. This stakeholder
recommends that employers provide training incentives and recruitment supports to newcomers.
While some employers have implemented measures and/or internal policies to ensure that
newcomers who join their workforce feel comfortable and confident, such as a Respect in the
Workplace Policy and familiarizing themselves with the Ontario Human Rights Code, other
employers acknowledged that they need to modify their hiring requirements, review and revise
educational requirements, and be more flexible. Increasing the probation period to account for
longer training and on-boarding processes that enable newcomers to acquire the necessary
knowledge, skills, and behaviors to succeed within the organization was one example mentioned
by an interviewed employer of how to be more flexible. One participant mentioned potentially
setting up a mentorship program.
Most of the respondents have yet to
encounter issues with retaining newcomers
because they have no newcomer employees.
One employer, however, acknowledged that
isolation and feelings of being singled-out
have caused them difficulty in retaining
their newcomer employees, who may feel
that they stand out as a visible minority in a
workplace that is not diverse.
“Often they [current
employees] are subtle, not
obviously discrimination
or harassment, but enough
that newcomers can feel
uncomfortable and look
for a new position.”
Employer
36 Service Providers and Supporting Organizations