Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Are More Than Just Buzzwords

BC’s tourism and hospitality industry workplace culture and practices are evolving to be more equitable, diverse and inclusive. Employees are increasingly aware and advocating the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and expect certain levels of understanding and care within their interactions in the workplace. Businesses in the industry are facing pressures to succeed in this area like never before and so the development of the EDI Framework and the EDI Resource Hub offers a variety of content and tools for businesses wherever they may be on their EDI journey. EDI is truly a journey, not a destination where there is an aim for progress, not necessarily perfection.

 

Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiative rounds out our existing offerings (Safer Spaces and Mental Health) aimed at creating more respectful workplaces in the tourism and hospitality industry.

What are the correct terms of reference for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives?

 

“I’ve heard lots of different terms used when referring to equity, diversity, and inclusion, how should we refer to this work we are doing at our workplace?” The simple answer is that there are many terms of reference used by different businesses when talking about this important work including:

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
  • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID)
  • Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)

The understanding of the overall concepts and how they inter-wine to create more respectful workplaces is what translates from terms of reference into a meaningful  EDI journey and ultimately, businesses will select the terms that make the most sense given their strategy. One is not “more” correct than another, just different, and not meant to be an exhaustive list of all the groups included. Select what makes sense today for your business and then aim for progress within that. The terms of reference can and will continue to evolve as the workplace does.

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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Template

Businesses customize and drop this policy into their Employee Handbook or Policy Manual.

EDI Policy Review Checklist

When you already have an EDI policy, use this checklist to review and update your own internal policy.

EDI Recruitment Language Template

Businesses use this template to convey on websites or in handbooks that their hiring practices that are inclusive.

EDI Onboarding Slides Template

Businesses customize and drop these slides into their Orientation presentations about what EDI looks like at their workplace.

Advancing EDI Checklist - Ongoing Changes for Larger Businesses

Ongoing Changes for Larger Businesses – To continue advancing EDI in the workplace, consider these suggestions to keep development ongoing and meaningful.

EDI Benefits Scan and Checklist

Use this checklist to scan the perks, benefits, and any benefit plan to ensure representation and inclusivity of all groups.

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Our Resource library has you covered with in-depth information about Health & Safety, Human Resources, Training, Research, Strategy, and more.

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