Building Bridges: 8 Simple Ways to Create an Inclusive Workplace for Newcomers

In recent years, Ontario has continued to see increased numbers of newcomers settling here. This means that our communities are made up of people from many different cultures, backgrounds and countries. The spaces we work in, learn in, spend time in, and even live in therefore reflect much greater levels of diversity! It is therefore important that we work to foster spaces that are not only inclusive but that celebrate this diversity as well.

As the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) we work to do just that. Funded by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada, LIP’s across the country collaborate with local organizations to create welcoming communities and reduce systemic barriers for immigrants and newcomers.

So, what does this mean for you? As employers you have a large influence over how welcoming and inclusive the space your employees are working in is. There are many simple tips you can use to ensure that your environment feels welcoming for all.

First, you need to know who your employees are. What are their cultural backgrounds? Do they belong to different religious organizations? What countries did they live in before they settled in your community? By learning this information, you can tailor your inclusive efforts to best resonate with your employees.

After you learn this information, here are some simple ideas you can try:

• Translate greetings or notices on your workplace bulletin boards to reflect different languages spoken in the workplace

• Place All Are Welcome Here signs or window decals throughout the building

• Decorate using pictures in the hallways and common rooms that reflect the employee's cultures and places of origin

• Create a monthly calendar of special events that highlight multicultural celebrations reflecting the cultural/religious celebrations of your employees

• Feature recipes from different parts of the world in your monthly newsletters

• Arrange a cultural or interfaith event annually for employees to attend

• Organize cultural programming or fact sharing about different cultures

• Host opportunities for newcomers and other employees to get to know each other

It is not difficult to go above and beyond standard policies on diversity in the workplace to promote enhanced inclusivity. With a small amount of effort you can better understand the diverse demographics that make up your residents and be more intentional in the content you produce, the programming you offer and the events you hold. At the end of the day, individuals just want to see themselves reflected and represented in the places they work.

Striving to create a more inclusive workplace community not only makes employees from immigrant groups feel more at home, welcomed and included; it also helps educate other employees and provides them with the tools they need to help contribute to a more welcoming community.

Immigration is not something that is happening to us, it is something that is happening for us. As such, we must all work together to ensure that the spaces we manage are inclusive, welcoming and celebrate all who use them. We all have a part to play!