Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1178690
ALL IN | AD Today 2019 | 45 Neil Cohen Senior Vice President, Human Resources AD Heather Gerrie Kwant Co-President & CEO Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd. RECRUITING TIPS TO HELP BUILD A DIVERSE WORKFORCE "Having multiple languages in the workplace has made it easier for some customers to do business with us and employees have enjoyed sharing experience about their different cultures. And of course, the sharing of multi-cultural food through pot lucks has been a great way of bringing people together!" "Language skills can open doors for a business," Cohen agreed. "Hiring employees who speak different languages or who come from different cultures can enable companies to interact with a broader customer base. Additionally, customers like to speak to people who can understand and empathize with their issues." Greater diversity has similarly benefitted the team at Weiler Abrasives Group in Cresco, PA. "Weiler's diversified workforce brings a vast array of life and work experience," said Janene Cummings, Vice President of Global Human Resources. "New experiences bring new ideas and ways of working and it's imperative that we find ways to attract and retain a diversified workforce." "This is especially true in light of today's tight labor market," said Beth Theodore, Managing Director of Innovation, Technology, and Shared Services for Milwaukee, WI-based ManpowerGroup Solutions. Theodore confirmed that a number of global forces are currently impacting labor markets, including the fact that candidates are increasingly tech- savvy and are exerting their power of choice more than ever. Among other forces, "shifting demographics have led to a more diverse workforce globally, with millennials having a growing influence on companies and many senior leaders scheduled to retire in the next 5-10 years, which will leave a so-called 'brain drain' in their wake," she said. "In addition, in light of the nation's historically low unemployment rate of less than 4%, 46% of companies recently surveyed indicated that they're having difficulty filling jobs." Given all of these conditions, she said, "companies need to be looking at their sourcing strategies to ensure that they're tapping all available talent and diverse talent remains an untapped labor pool." PROFILES IN DIVERSITY At Gerrie Electric, promoting diversity in the workplace is a natural extension of the community in which the company operates. "Canada is known for its mosaic of cultures and we support, embrace and celebrate our differences," Gerrie Kwant said. "Our company's desire for diversity stems from wanting to ensure that our demographics are consistent with those of the continued on page 46 Janene Cummings Vice-President, Global Human Resources Weiler Abrasives Group "Greater diversity has absolutely made us better, stronger, more vibrant, and a true reflection of the communities we live in and serve." – Heather Gerrie Kwant, Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd.