Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Survey suggests importance of diversity at work

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Jan, 2022 11:02 AM
  • Survey suggests importance of diversity at work

REGINA - Most people in a new Canada-wide survey say equal representation in government is important, but they don't support employers taking demographic characteristics into account in hiring and promotion decisions.

The survey by the Canadian Hub for Applied and Social Research at the University of Saskatchewan was done by phone between Dec. 1 and Dec. 24. It asked 1,000 people about equality, diversity and inclusion in workplaces and government.

The majority of respondents said they support various minority groups being in government, including women (89 per cent), Indigenous people (86 per cent), persons with disabilities (83 per cent), visible minorities (81 per cent) and members of the LGBTQ community (68 per cent).

The survey also asked if employers should only consider qualified candidates or if they should also take into account demographic characteristics when hiring.

About 60 per cent of those surveyed said employers should only consider how qualified a candidate is, even if it results in less diversity.

"It's the inverse of what folks were saying in the previous battery of questions, saying it's important that these groups be represented," research director Jason Disano told The Canadian Press in a phone interview from Saskatoon.

"Folks like the idea in theory, but when it comes to real-world implications or potential ramifications on them as an individual, that's when they say, 'Wait a minute, maybe let's take a step back from this. I support the idea, but I don't support specific actions to do it.'"

About one-quarter of those surveyed, and most between the ages of 35 and 54, also said they missed a career opportunity or they know someone who missed a career opportunity because of a decision to increase workplace diversity.

"It's surprising but also makes a lot of sense from the perspective that (equity, diversity and inclusion) initiatives really only started coming into being in the last 10 to 20 years," Disano said.

"Those who are 55 years of age and up are settled in their career, and the younger individuals — especially with these COVID-19 times — may have had fewer opportunities to actually be potentially impacted by some of these initiatives."

Disano said the survey also indicated, across the board, that women were more likely than men to support diversity in workplaces.

Those surveyed were also asked about the importance of elected officials speaking French.

Most respondents said politicians should be fluent in both official languages. About 83 per cent said it's important for the prime minister to speak French, while 65 per cent said it's important for members of provincial governments and 64 per cent said it's important for premiers.

Those in Quebec, more than in other jurisdictions, said elected officials should be fluent in both official languages.

Disano said it's important to ask questions about diversity, representation and language because it shows there's a need to have a broader conversation about workplace diversity among governments, workplaces and other organizations.

"The issue is really in terms of convincing people why it's important and how they make an overall difference," Disano said.

The survey was reliable to within plus or minus 3.1 per cent, with a 95 per cent confidence level.

MORE National ARTICLES

1,129 COVID19 cases over 3 days

1,129 COVID19 cases over 3 days
There are currently 2,949 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 217,705 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 185 individuals are currently in hospital and 72 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

1,129 COVID19 cases over 3 days

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer
On December 2, 2021 a Richmond RCMP frontline officer was attempting to arrest a man for an alleged theft when the man allegedly assaulted the officer. During the attempted arrest, a struggle on the ground ensued. Prior to additional officers arriving, the man was able to break free and run from the area on foot.

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz
Officers found 27 teenagers crammed inside a party bus with a dance floor. The bus had been hired to take the teens downtown for a 17-year-old’s birthday party. VPD officers are now recommending 27 counts of failing to provide a chaperone for passengers under 19, allowing open liquor in a vehicle, and operating with too many passengers.    

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800
The robbery occurred around 6 p.m. on December 3, as holiday shoppers were visiting the Dunsmuir Street retailer. The suspect, who was masked, entered the store and deployed a cloud of bear spray, then walked over to a display rack and stole a $1,800 purse, before exiting the store and walking east on Dunsmuir to Seymour Street.

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa
The federal government is extending, and slightly expanding, a travel exemption for Canadians trying to return home from South Africa. Earlier this month, the government lifted a requirement for Canadian travellers from South Africa to have a negative COVID-19 molecular test result in a third country before coming to Canada.

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa

Some universities cancel in-person exams

Some universities cancel in-person exams
The University of Victoria in British Columbia will not be holding any further in-person exams this month. The school said its instructors have been asked to offer alternative exams online or in another format.

Some universities cancel in-person exams