OTTAWA, October 4, 2022 – BioTalent Canada today announced that its recently launched I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience EmployerTM recognition program is now accepting applications. This new employer recognition program, which represents Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Leadership, will recognize organizations in Canada’s bio-economy embodying the diverse and inclusive corporate principles needed to promote growth and success in the sector.
“The evidence proves diverse teams, led by inclusive leaders are more innovative and provide better insights on the needs and wants of their stakeholders,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “When we adopt IDEA principles into Canada’s bio-economy, we build resilient and profitable companies.”
Organizations in two categories: under 50 employees and over 50 employees are invited to complete an online survey, describe in detail how they are working towards a more diverse and inclusive corporate culture based on the following IDEA best practices:
- Alignment of IDEA to the vision, values, strategies, and outcomes of the organization;
- Leadership accountability for IDEA;
- Measurement and assessment of the organization’s current IDEA efforts;
- The priority the organization places on IDEA learning and awareness;
- How the organization prioritizes inclusive talent management practices;
- Efforts put forward by the organization to create a culture of belonging, and
- Efforts put forward by the organization to engage with external stakeholders: community, clients, and suppliers.
LEARN MORE: Find resources to help your organization develop an IDEA strategy
BioTalent Canada’s recent Labour Market Study shone a spotlight on a severe talent shortage in Canada’s bio-economy – one that could see four job openings for every job seeker by 2029. One of the most important recommendations to address this shortage is for employers to diversify recruitment and HR practices to reach a broader and more diverse talent pool.
“Recognizing organizations who are making significant progress in bringing IDEA into their workplace is crucial,” adds Henderson. “We are not only showing other bio-economy employers why these principles are so important, but providing support for employers who may not be sure where to start.”
The call for applications for the program will close on November 7, 2022. BioTalent Canada will announce the organizations being recognized for their IDEA Leadership in December 2022.
For more information and to apply for the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience EmployerTM recognition, visit biotalent.ca/IDEALEmployer.
Rob Henderson is available for comment.
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About BioTalent Canada
BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.
Recently named one of the 50 Best Workplaces in Canada with under 50 employees and certified as a Great Place to Work® for 2022, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards it recommends to its stakeholders. These distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent survey analysis conducted by Great Place to Work®.
For more information, visit biotalent.ca.
About the I.D.E.A.L. Recognition Program
The I.D.E.A.L Bioscience EmployerTM recognition program, which represents Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Leadership, will recognize organizations in Canada’s bio-economy leading the way in embodying the diverse and inclusive corporate principles needed to promote growth and success in the sector.
Organizations under 50 employees and over 50 employees who apply for the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience EmployerTM recognition will be evaluated and benchmarked on IDEA best practices.
The program is not an award but rather an annual designation for which companies can apply and be granted if they reach or surpass established benchmarks. Organizations who fail to attain the designation will be given instructions and suggestions on how to improve.
Media inquiries:
Siobhan Williams
Vice-President, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 229
[email protected]