Workplaces for all - Fit

[Title: Workplaces for All, presented by CivicAction and Ontario]

[Four animated workspaces slide into the frame. One is a desk with a monitor and cup of coffee, another is a factor assembly line, another is a hospital room with a bed and the last is a service desk where an employee talks to a customer.]

Narrator: We spend the majority of our waking hours working, but there’s a long way to go to create workplaces in Ontario that are inclusive and work for everyone. 

Policies, practices and procedures need to change so we don’t perpetuate workplace cultures that tolerate systemic discrimination and racism. 

Systemic barriers and racism make it more difficult for Indigenous, Black and racialized talent to access employment and advance in their careers.

[Two hands draw a mountain slope. On the left side the mountain has a smooth incline. On the right side, the mountain has a jagged edge to represent barriers to a climb.]

Narrator: When employees trust that their organization is committed to diversity and feel included they’re more likely to innovate and collaborate. 

[A flag appears at the top of the mountain representing the final destination. On the left side that has an easier path a white man stands. On the right side, which has the more difficult jagged slope to climb, a Muslim man wearing a Taqiyah cap stands and scratches his head.]

Narrator: Greater inclusion means workplaces see higher revenue and better employee retention. Employers need to understand how racism can show up in the workplace and how to address it. 

[Title: Employers need to understand how racism can show up in the workplace and how to address it.]

Narrator: Let’s explore the concept of fit and how it can perpetuate racism in hiring practices.

[Title: Fit]

Narrator: I've always loved storytelling. After I finished my undergraduate degree in sociology, I went to school to be a copywriter. When I graduated, I was excited to start my career.

[The narrator is sitting at a desk working on a laptop with a steaming cup of coffee.]

Narrator: But I soon became discouraged after interviewing for a job that didn't allow me to express who I am because I didn't "fit" into their work culture. While in school I met someone who worked at my dream company. I was so excited when I got an interview at the firm. 

[Title: Creative, Motivated, Excited, Determined, Hard-working, Passionate, Energetic, Dedicated]

Narrator: I couldn't wait to show off my impressive portfolio. I had graduated top of my class.

[A portfolio appears with icons representing samples of work. To the right a cell phone screen shows a text message conversation. Person one: “We love your work? Would you like to come in for an interview?” Person two: “YES!”]

Narrator: When I arrived, I noticed the employees, including my interview panel, were not representative of a diverse workplace. 

[The narrator walks into a room where four people are sitting at a long table, and all appear to be white.]

Narrator: Although I was nervous for the interview, I felt good about how it went.

[A cell phone screen shows a text message conversation. Person one: “We love your work! Would you like to come in for an interview?” Person two: “YES!” Person one: “Sorry, someone else was a better fit.”]

Narrator: A week later they told me I didn’t get the job because I wasn’t the right “fit”. My contact at the agency said it was because I mentioned that I’m Muslim. 

[A split screen shows the narrator talking on a cell phone with a woman holding a cell phone.] 

Narrator: The company represents a number of alcohol brands and they have alcohol in the office. The interview panel didn't think I would feel comfortable or be a "good fit" for the workplace culture. “Fit” is a vague term, but some people use it to justify why someone should be hired or not.

Don't let “Fit” perpetuate a workplace culture that treats people differently based on race.

[Puzzle pieces move together and one last piece wobbles and struggles to click into place but doesn’t fit.]

Narrator: Enhance, broaden and diversify your workplace culture to make it more inclusive. 

[Title: Diversity]

Narrator: When people are free to be themselves, they perform more effectively and collaboratively. Rather than ask, "does this person 'fit'?", they could've asked, "how can this person add to our work culture?" Make sure interview panels are diverse and use a standard process. Ensure you ask every candidate the same questions to remove implicit bias. Don’t make decisions based on assumptions. Instead, ask the candidate.

[The narrator stands to the right of projector screen and presents text on the screen.]

[Title: When people are free to be themselves, they perform more effectively and collaboratively. Rather than ask, "does this person 'fit'?", they could've asked, "how can this person add to our work culture?" Make sure interview panels are diverse and use a standard process. Ensure you ask every candidate the same questions to remove implicit bias. Don’t make decisions based on assumptions. Instead, ask the candidate.]

Narrator: For more resources on inclusive workplace practices, explore the Employer Resource Hub at ontario.ca/workplacesforall.

[Title: Learn more at ontario.ca/workplacesforall. Presented by CivicAction and Ontario.]

[CivicAction logo and Ontario logo]