RECOGNIZING EMPLOYERS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE LEADERS IN WORKPLACE INCLUSION

Nominations for the 2020 BC Workplace Inclusion Awards will open Winter 2019.

Are you or someone you know a diversity champion?  If so, nominate them or yourself for the BC Workplace Inclusion Awards in one of our many categories.

More and more businesses today are beginning to incorporate diversity and inclusion as a key component of their business strategy because they know that inclusive employers attract top talent. The BC Workplace Inclusion Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of BC employers and individuals who are leading the way in workplace inclusion. From large businesses to non-profit organizations, from managers to front-line staff, the BC Workplace Inclusion Awards honour those who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity at work at all levels of the labour market.

2018 Award Categories

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE CHAMPION – Individual

Diversity Champion (Individual or Leadership) Behind every program or initiative, is a diversity champion leading the way. We recognize that even large efforts start with a single person who makes inclusion a priority and dedicates their time and effort to putting that cause front and center. Award winners are people who have made a name for themselves professionally as someone who rallies, educates, and exemplifies the ideals that a diverse workplace is a strong workplace. When selecting a winner, testimonials from coworkers and a history of public commitment to diversity are important factors, in addition to specific examples.

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE CHAMPION – Strong Voices Award

Strong Voices Award The Strong Voices Award winner is someone who is an outspoken and positive role model for diversity and inclusion in their community. By taking the spotlight, whether in the media, in public, or online, this award winner shines a light on the benefits of integrating different groups into the workforce and is an icon for positive change.

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE CULTURE CHAMPION – Small Business

Small BC Business (1-99 employers) Accounting for 98% of businesses in BC, the majority of small businesses have less than 20 employees. Robust Human Resources programs are often not a reality, yet many small businesses impact lives through inclusive values. The Small BC Business Category recognizes business that have demonstrated a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. These companies exemplify that no matter of size, a team made up of many different strengths is smart business sense. Both workplace atmosphere and employee impact are important factors, in addition to specific examples of tapping into diverse talent pools, such as persons with disabilities, women, Aboriginal people, recent immigrants, youth, LGBTQ2S. Eligibility: Nominees must in be operation within BC, and have a maximum of 99 employees.

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE CULTURE CHAMPION – Medium-Sized Business

Medium-Sized BC Business (100- 499 employees) The Midium-Sized BC Business Category recognizes business that have demonstrated a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. These companies exemplify that a team made up of many different strengths is smart business sense. Both workplace atmosphere and employee impact are important factors, in addition to specific examples of tapping into diverse talent pools, such as persons with disabilities, women, Indigenous people, recent immigrants, youth, LGBTQ2S. Eligibility: Nominees must in be operation within BC, and have a maximum of 499 employees.

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE CULTURE CHAMPION – Large Business

Large BC Business (more than 500 employees) From policies and procedures to diversity initiatives, Large Business Champions demonstrate a commitment to identifying and employing diverse individuals and engaging them in an inclusive workplace. Large Business Champions invest in their team. They look beyond traditional recruitment and retention strategies in order to support the development of their staff, while maintaining a strong bottom line. Their actions support the belief that a diverse workplace is a strong workplace. Eligibility: Nominees must in be operation within BC, and have more than 500 employees.

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE CULTURE CHAMPION – Social Enterprise & Non-Profit Organization

With approximately 26,000 non-profit organizations in BC, this sector employs more than 120,000 British Colombians. The work of NPOs has significant impact on communities across the province. The Non-Profit Organization category recognizes those organization that beyond a mission to serve the community, as an employer, they walk the talk in demonstrating a sense diversity and inclusion to their own workplace. A social enterprise is a business that trades to create positive social impact, be it social, cultural, community economic and/or environmental outcomes. The business has a clear sense of its ‘social mission’, which is publicly identified. Nominees in this category demonstrate an inclusive and diverse workforce, tapping into the strengths of people who are often marginalized. Eligibility: Nominees must be registered as a non-profit or social enterprise organization in BC.  

DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE CULTURE CHAMPION – Chamber or Board of Trade Champion

The BC Chamber of Commerce is a strong proponent of hiring for diversity and inclusion in the work place and works with its members to promote inclusive hiring practices. The Open Door Group is pleased to introduce the inaugural Chamber or Board of Trade Champion award that will be given to a business that is a member of a Board or Trade or Chamber of Commerce that hold membership with the B.C. Chamber of Commerce. Nominees are expected to demonstrate efforts and progress in identifying and employing diverse employees and engaging them in an inclusive workplace. Eligibility: Nominees must be a member of a Board or Trade or Chamber of Commerce that hold membership with the B.C. Chamber of Commerce.