Big banks among Canada’s best diversity employers

http://www.canadastop100.com/diversity/

Now entering its ninth year, the list recognizes companies across Canada for their exceptional efforts in creating and maintaining programs that help women; individuals who are visible minorities; those with disabilities; Aboriginal peoples; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered/transsexual people (LGBT).

Among the firms’ various initiatives, here are some of the reasons the banks stood out:

BMO was noticed for its “Count Me In” initiative, which raises awareness of individuals with disabilities and encourages employees with disabilities to self-identify in the firm’s workforce survey.

CIBC made the list for their work in reaching out to Aboriginal students through their Aboriginal Student Employment program, which is in partnership with various universities and colleges.

National Bank has its diversity scorecard, which tracks the representation of designated groups on a quarterly basis. It also provides training on topics like making services available for those with disabilities; maintaining an inclusive workplace; and managing multicultural and multigenerational teams.

RBC was acknowledged for the fact that different departments will manage in-house groups for female employees that organize networking events and speakers.

Scotiabank has a number of employee resource groups including an Aboriginal network, a Pride group and the Scotiabank Alliance for Mental Health.

TD was recognized for its 11 regional LGBT employee resource groups across Canada, its firm-wide LGBT Pride Network and its recently launched “Pride 360,” which is an internal quarterly newsletter.