When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, hiring diverse candidates is important, but organizations need to do more if they want to stand out as an employer of choice. That’s the message Talia Massey, a talent acquisition manager at Domtar, brings to industry colleagues looking to improve their DEI culture.
As a recruiter, Massey knows the importance of casting a wide net during the hiring process, but she also knows that this is just the first step.
“You can’t just hire your way to being a more diverse company,” she says. “Even if we bring in diverse candidates, these efforts are in vain unless we foster the right workplace culture.People need to feel comfortable being themselves at work.”
Massey will be sharing this and other DEI insights at TAPPICon 2021 on May 4. Under the theme “Reshaping Resilience Through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” she will offer tips on how companies can build a more open culture.
DEI Requires Everyone’s Commitment
One of Massey’s key points is that anyone can help move the needle. To successfully cultivate a healthy DEI environment, efforts must not be limited to recruiting, or even to human resources. Every sector of the business plays a role, she says.
“Ultimately, for change to take place at the organizational level, developing a cross-functional team to focus on DEI should be a top priority,” she says. It doesn’t require large financial resources, but it does require regular time and attention.
Massey serves on Domtar’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, one of 12 members from across the company. The council is sponsored by President and CEO John D. Williams.
“Naturally, I bring the perspective of talent acquisition to the council,” Massey says. “But as a recruiter, I get to know people across the company, and I see the importance of inclusion and equity. I’m a strong advocate for educating employees inside the organization.”
Helping people become aware of unconscious bias is a good starting point. Domtar will be expanding training on this topic in 2021, along with other efforts to broaden perspectives around DEI.
Massey says that these actions benefit everyone. With her focus on hiring early career talent, Massey speaks to hundreds of young people every year. She says that more and more often, job seekers want to know what the company is doing to ensure equality within its workforce.
“DEI is becoming as important to a company’s brand as other aspects of corporate social responsibility, such as environmental sustainability and community giving,” she says.
“And the bottom line is that when you have diverse people bringing their whole selves to work, you get more innovation, people feel more engaged, and ultimately, it helps the business succeed.”
Please note, the photos included with this story were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Resources
How We Work at Domtar: Diversity & Inclusion
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