Discrimination
Summary: Discrimination, as outlined by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, occurs when individuals are treated unfavorably based on attributes like race or gender. To combat this, fostering inclusion is crucial. These free resources can help.
For individuals
Supporting someone who may be experiencing racism may be difficult, but these tips and strategies can help.
Learning about implicit biases that we all have, can increase our awareness and reduce the risk that we will unintentionally cause harm.
For leaders
Leaders can avoid discrimination and promote inclusivity by fostering intentional and overt practices of inclusion in the workplace. Recognizing the negative impacts of discrimination on both mental and physical health, leaders should prioritize diversity and equity. Proactively removing barriers to inclusion offers tools, information, and resources for creating accessible workplaces.
Leaders should be aware of their implicit bias as it represents unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can influence actions and decisions, potentially leading to poor morale or discrimination. Recognizing and addressing implicit biases is not only crucial for creating a psychologically safe workplace but also for mitigating legal concerns related to discrimination and harassment.
Discrimination articles and resources
The list that follows includes the resources linked to above as well as related information that may be more specific to your current situation:
Address discrimination and promote inclusion through your policies and processes. You’ll help create a positive environment that supports all employees to thrive and succeed.
Learn to identify and understand implicit bias, microaggressions and intersectionality. Whether the bias results in poor morale or discrimination, identifying it is the first step to eliminating it.
Explore how you can proactively remove barriers and support inclusion and accessibility for clients and employees who may have distinctive needs or life experiences.
A framework to help your organization prevent discrimination, harassment, bullying, trauma, burnout and other negative impacts. It helps improve to understanding of possible legal concerns and risks to the employer.
Questions and strategies to help you have a supportive conversation when someone you care about appears to be struggling with racism.
How to identify and address potential discrimination and promote inclusivity. Engage your workforce to support psychological safety for all.
Choose strategies known to help you at work if you experience neurodivergence, including autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia or dysphagia.
Compare your accommodation policies and procedures to relevant human rights legislation. Included are links to provincial and territorial human rights requirements and relevant laws in Canada.
The 2021 Psychological Health and Safety in Canadian Workplaces survey looked at psychological health and safety at work with a special focus on the impact on marginalized populations.
Actions to protect psychological safety for employees who are new to the country. Learn about the value immigrants can bring to your organization and how to support their needs.