IDEA Climate Survey

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)

We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (IDEA). This commitment extends to understanding the experiences of all our employees and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. To achieve this, we are partnering with GECI to conduct an IDEA Climate Survey.

Our Approach to IDEA

We believe that our employees are key stakeholders in creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. Their insights are crucial for identifying gaps in our current culture, programs, and practices, as well as opportunities for improvement.

Participation is Voluntary, but Important:

While participation in the survey is voluntary, we strongly encourage all employees to complete it. A high response rate will ensure we get a clear and accurate picture of our organizational diversity and inclusion climate.

What is the purpose of the survey?

The IDEA Climate Survey has three main objectives:

  • Measure Diversity: To gain a clearer picture of the current level of diversity within our organization, with a particular focus on historically marginalized and equity-seeking groups.
  • Assess Intercultural Competence: To understand how employees navigate cultural differences and build their intercultural competence.
  • Evaluate Inclusion and Equity: To gain insights into the experiences, perceptions, and contributions of employees regarding equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, including experiences with prejudice and discrimination.

What to expect from the survey:

  • Anonymity: The survey is completely anonymous and administered by GECI to ensure confidentiality.
  • Time Commitment: The survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
  • Customization: The survey can be customized to fit the specific needs of our organization and industry.
  • Privacy and Confidentiality: The survey questions are designed to comply with all applicable privacy, confidentiality, and human rights data collection policies as outlined by the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Beyond the Survey

In addition to the survey, the process may involve focus groups or individual interviews with specific employee groups, such as Black, Indigenous, racialized employees, employees with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ employees (depending on the specific project focus). We take an intersectional approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of various forms of inequity.

This process is designed to be a collaborative learning experience (co-learning) for everyone involved. By fostering open communication and trust, we aim to build a foundation for implementing positive changes based on the recommendations arising from these consultations.

We are committed to building a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone. Your participation in the IDEA Climate Survey is essential to achieving this goal.