Finding Employment: Barriers and Challenges for Newcomers and Racialized Individuals (2021)

As part of a project to work with small and medium employers to help them understand the benefits of hiring Newcomer and Racialized workers, ACCES Employment surveyed past program participants with an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) survey about their thoughts, experiences and recommendations, particularly around employment issues pertaining to racial and gender discrimination. They received 143 responses, the majority of which were from individuals who identify as Black or Asian (including South Asian, Southeast Asian and East Asian).

Their analysis of the data sheds light on many of the challenges racialized and newcomer employees face while navigating employment. Their goal, through their Diversity in Canadian Workplaces Initiative is to formulate broad solutions and suggestions to target specific systemic barriers and increase the positive experiences of inclusivity in the workplace.

Specific challenges identified and expanded upon in the report:

• Recruitment
• Inclusive work environments
• Career progression when hired

ACCES is developing EDI training modules and sessions for their employer network. As well, a future whitepaper "will review the development, facilitation and observations of the three  training modules centred around equitable recruitment, retention and inclusive leadership, and career progression and succession planning to offer solutions going forward."

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