What trends do you see emerging either in your own industry or in the conversation around D&I as a whole?
Diversity and inclusion is a hot HR topic right now, however, it often does not include diversity of social backgrounds or experiences, and is rather restricted to women, youth, Indigenous people, immigrants and people with disabilities (e.g., autism, cognitive disabilities).On both an individual and community level, we are seeing a call for more acceptance of vulnerable individuals who are often stigmatized due to their situation and past experiences. We hope that this reduction in stigma will also take place within the HR departments of businesses.
John McLernon (Streetohome’s Board Chair) emphasized that “individuals not only need a home, but also a sense of purpose. A job provides an opportunity to: become contributing members in society; belong to a team; learn new skills; develop one’s potential and a path to self-sufficiency.”