Building a Welcoming Workplace

Creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. Welcoming workplaces attract more talent, improve retention, and help teams thrive.

Why it matters?

People are more likely to stay and grow in jobs where they feel valued. When hiring practices and workplace culture are welcoming to everyone, it opens the door to a wider talent pool, stronger teams, and better results.

What can you do?

Rethink Your Hiring Practices

• Write clear, simple job postings that focus on skills, not credentials.
• Share job openings in places that reach a wider range of candidates.
• Use inclusive language and avoid assumptions about experience or background.
• Consider alternative ways to assess candidates, like skills-based interviews or work samples.
• Offer training to hiring managers and other staff on unconscious bias and intercultural competence.

Make Onboarding Welcoming

• Offer a clear, supportive introduction to your workplace.
• Assign a buddy or mentor to help new hires settle in.
• Provide information in plain language, and be open to questions.
• Keep lines of communication open and ask new hires if there is anything they need from you in order to succeed.

Build a Supportive Workplace Culture

• Set clear expectations for respectful behaviour.
• Make time for regular check-ins with your team.
• Be flexible when possible and recognize that different people may have different needs. Look for creative solutions.
• Celebrate diverse experiences and perspectives as strengths.

Keep Learning

• Listen to your employees. What helps them feel welcome? What’s missing?
• Ask for feedback and be open to making changes.
• Use available tools and training to build your understanding of inclusive practices.

Need Help?

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your current practices, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at info@workforcecollective.ca for tailored support and advice.

Tools and Resources