With leaders and influencers from Canada’s business community, award-winning employers, and government in attendance, philanthropist and keynote speaker Michael “Pinball” Clemons expectedly delivered an impassioned speech on empowering youth through education.
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The national competition series Canada Top 100 Employers recently released their annual Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2018). These top organizations offer exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs within their industry and Canadian region.
The contest recognized the winners’ successful diversity initiatives in many fields and programs for their employees belonging to five groups: (a) women; (b) visible minorities; (c) persons with disabilities; (d) Aboriginal peoples, and (e) LGBT peoples.
Below are Career Edge host organizations and why they were featured:
When I was asked to write this blog post, I had no idea where to start. My mind went from being super excited, to being nervous and worried about writing the wrong thing, to not being sure as to what guidelines there were to follow. Were there any guidelines? How long did the article have to be? How many people would be reading this? How candid or professional did this have to be? What kind of implications could this have on my professional career? Would this article even be used for our blog? What a whirlwind of thoughts to have in 10 seconds but believe it or not, this is what my life is like every day. Read More
In a candidate-driven era, as power continues to shift from employers and hiring personnel to employees and job seekers, the transformation in control will alter many intricacies in the complex world of recruitment. Read More
High turnover rates discourage employers from investing in training and development for their employees. The investment costs are quantifiable, and widely perceived as unnecessary and expensive.
But, what happens when employers don’t invest in their employees, and they stay – how much does that cost? Unfortunately, no prior research has been conducted to quantify the net gain or loss of not regularly training and developing your employees. So, why? Read More
Endings are as polarizing as the winter’s first heavy snowfall. Loathed by drivers, but cherished by students. Resented by farmers, but adored by newborn puppies.
Found somewhere along that spectrum are our newcomers to Canada, filled with premature wonder, followed by a gradual anticipation of its conclusion. But if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we should welcome endings the way our newcomers celebrate winter’s finale – with relief, joy, and a celebration for new beginnings.
The traditional time for celebration is December. We celebrate 2017’s achievements and what’s ahead in 2018. New jobs, milestones, and people in our life.
A month that features social causes (International Day of Persons with Disabilities), spiritual observances (Mawlid, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa), and ‘alternative’ celebrations (Festivus) requires recognizing that your diverse workforce needs an inclusive celebration. To appreciate the range of differences among an organization’s people, we should remain inclusive – which requires learning. Read More
Canada’s youth unemployment rate dropped to 10.3 per cent in September, but the decrease doesn’t equal what it suggests.
More youth aren’t getting jobs. They’re leaving the workforce and going (or returning) to school, with 56 per cent of Canadian youth enrolled full-time.
Does more education increase their employability upon graduation, or delay the inevitability of another painful job search? Read More
“I was able to bring a unique set of skills and experiences to my civilian employer,” said Roy Liang.
Two years ago, as the Canadian Armed Forces Reservists’ paid internship program’s inaugural hire, Roy completed a six-month, paid internship on Apotex’s talent acquisition team. He successfully integrated into the civilian workforce and launched his career.
As did Andres Lapena at RBC. And Ian Kroetsch at Tjene. And many other Canadian Armed Forces Reservists serving our country. Read More
Visually impaired since birth, a human rights lawyer and former Paralympian is convinced history is on the way. With three Olympic medals on her mantle, Honourable Carla Qualtrough welcomed another challenge in her life – challenging her country’s employers to make history.
“This law, when created, will be very proactive and basically tell employers, and service providers, and programmers, and the government itself, these are the expectations we have on you and we’re going to hold you to account.”
Coffee is a stimulant that injects a boost in the central nervous system. With its limitations, it’s not for everyone. But, if consumed in moderation, drinking it can have many possible benefits at the workplace.
In the fast-paced world of modern work environments, a humble beverage stands out as a silent hero: coffee. It’s time to recognize the pivotal role in boosting productivity and enhancing workplace dynamics. From fostering social connections to promoting health and cognitive function, it transcends its status as a mere beverage to become a cornerstone of workplace culture.
Join us as we explore the myriad benefits for the workplace and uncover its transformative impact on productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
It’s the new ‘water cooler.’ It has been proven that employees who drink coffee together improve their productivity. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a catalyst for social interaction. Coffee breaks allow employees to connect, share ideas, and build camaraderie, fostering a positive work environment.
Coffee breaks offer informal opportunities for employees to connect, share ideas, and build relationships. These moments of interaction often lead to stronger team cohesion and improved communication. In many cases, casual conversations over coffee can spark creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Creating spaces where employees can contribute to a more collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
Moderate coffee consumption offers numerous health benefits that contribute to overall well-being. From increased alertness and concentration to antioxidant properties, it can boost energy levels and reduce stress, promoting a healthier workplace. Coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in many people’s diets. These compounds help fight free radicals in the body, reducing cell damage and supporting long-term health.
It can reduce sleep-deprived stress and recharge energy to improve alertness and motivation. It can relieve neck and shoulder pain created by computer and desk work. It’s been linked to increased metabolism.
Coffee consumption has been associated with a lower risk of depression and may contribute to improved overall mood and mental well-being.
Coffee has been linked to cognitive enhancement, enhancing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Enjoying a cup while working can stimulate creativity and innovation, facilitating personal and professional development.
Throughout the day, your brain builds up a chemical called adenosine, which makes you feel tired and slows down neural activity. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, preventing that “slow-down” signal. The result? You feel more awake, alert, and mentally responsive. Beyond quick boosts, coffee can help sustain cognitive performance over longer periods. It’s especially helpful during mentally demanding work, reducing the likelihood of fatigue-related errors.
Daily coffee rituals can help employees establish structure in their workday. From the first cup in the morning to a mid-afternoon break, these moments create a sense of rhythm and consistency. Routine can be especially important in hybrid or remote work settings, where boundaries between personal and professional time can blur.
Coffee breaks can act as natural transitions between tasks, helping employees manage their time more effectively and maintain focus throughout the day.
Coffee acts as a simple employee perk by offering a low-cost benefit that has a meaningful impact on the day-to-day work experience. Providing free or easily accessible coffee signals that an organization values employee comfort and well-being, even in small ways.
It eliminates the need for employees to spend their own money on daily essentials, which can be appreciated over time. Beyond convenience, it also creates informal spaces for connection, whether it’s a quick break, a casual conversation, or a moment to reset. These small interactions can improve morale, strengthen team relationships, and contribute to a more positive workplace culture. While it’s a simple offering, it can go a long way in making employees feel supported and valued.
Certain professions exhibit higher rates of coffee consumption, highlighting its widespread popularity across various occupational settings. Whether you’re a journalist, teacher, or executive, it plays a significant role in supporting job performance and productivity.
As workplaces evolve, coffee remains a constant presence, fueling productivity, fostering connection, and promoting success, celebrating its many benefits and how it enhances workplace dynamics and individual well-being.
