Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

People Store Staffing Solutions Inc. recognizes and celebrates the value of diversity and inclusion. We believe that diversity brings unique strengths to the organization and enriches the work environment, helping us to better serve our community. We are dedicated to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to contribute their best.

Guiding Principles 

1. Respect: We respect the dignity, rights, and perspectives of all individuals.

2. Equity: We ensure fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all, regardless of background.

3. Accessibility: We are committed to removing barriers to inclusion and ensuring that all individuals can fully participate in the organization.

4. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for maintaining an environment free of discrimination, harassment, and exclusion.

5. Continuous Improvement: We will continually assess and improve our diversity and inclusion efforts through feedback, training, and policy updates.

 

Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), discrimination is prohibited on the basis of the following grounds:

Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship

Religion, belief, or creed

Sex, gender identity, and gender expression

Sexual orientation

Age

Marital status

Family status

Disability (mental and physical)Receipt of public assistance (in housing)

Record of offences (for employment)

Any other ground protected by the OHRC

We also recognize the intersectionality of these factors and strive to create an environment where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of the complexity of their identity.

Diversity and Inclusion Goals

We aim to:

Promote awareness of the diverse communities we serve and represent within our organization.

Recruit, hire, and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a fair and unbiased process.

Ensure equal access to opportunities for all individuals, including leadership and decision-making roles.

Provide reasonable accommodations to employees and clients with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Create a culture of respect by providing ongoing training and development on diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination.

 

Responsibilities of Employees and Leadership

Leadership Commitment: Our leaders and managers will model inclusive behaviors, set expectations for others, and hold individuals accountable for adhering to this policy.

Employee Responsibility: All employees are expected to treat one another with respect, recognize diversity as a strength, and contribute to fostering an inclusive environment. Discrimination, harassment, and exclusionary behaviors are not tolerated.

Confidential Reporting: Employees and stakeholders who feel they have been discriminated against, harassed, or excluded can report concerns confidentially to the Human Resources department or designated diversity officer without fear of retaliation.

Training and Awareness: We will provide regular training and educational opportunities on topics such as:

Unconscious bias

Diversity and inclusion best practices

Anti-discrimination and harassment

Accessibility and accommodations

Cultural competency and awareness

Training will be mandatory for all new hires and periodically refreshed for all employees, including leadership.

Recruitment and Employment Practices

We strive to ensure that our recruitment, hiring, promotion, and compensation practices are equitable and free of bias. This includes:

Using inclusive language in job postingsActively recruiting from diverse communities

Ensuring interview panels are diverse

Considering diversity in decisions around leadership and team development

Offering mentorship and career development programs that are accessible to all

Accessibility and Accommodation

Our organization is committed to providing an accessible work environment for individuals with disabilities. We will:

Ensure that all physical spaces and digital platforms are accessible.

Provide reasonable accommodations for employees and clients with disabilities, in accordance with the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Review and adapt processes, policies, and systems to ensure inclusivity.

Harassment and Discrimination Prevention

We will not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. This includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal, physical, or psychological harassment

Bullying or intimidation

Discriminatory remarks or actions

Individuals who engage in such behavior will be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment or contractual agreements.

Review and Monitoring

We are committed to regularly reviewing and improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. This will include:

Gathering feedback from employees and other stakeholders

Conducting surveys on workplace climate and inclusivity

Reviewing diversity metrics and making necessary adjustments

Reporting annually on diversity and inclusion goals and progress

Reporting and Complaint Procedures

If an individual feels that they have been the victim of discrimination or harassment, or have witnessed such behavior, they are encouraged to report it through one of the following channels:

Human Resources: Direct contact with HR personnel

Anonymous Reporting System: Available for those who prefer to remain anonymous

All complaints will be investigated in a timely, confidential, and impartial manner, and appropriate corrective action will be taken.

Conclusion

People Store Staffing Solutions Inc., commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to our organizational values and the wellbeing of all stakeholders. Through continuous education, strategic action, and the creation of an inclusive environment, we aim to not only comply with legal requirements but also create a workplace that reflects the diverse communities of Ontario.