Most people in a new survey across Canada say that equitable representation in government is important, but they do not support employers who take demographics into account in hiring and promotion decisions.
The survey by the Canadian Hub for Applied and Social Research at the University of Saskatchewan was conducted by phone between December 1 and 24. Asked 1000 people about equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and government.
Most respondents said they support various minority groups being in government, including women (89%), indigenous peoples (86%), people with disabilities (83%), visible minorities (81%) and members of the LGBTQ Community (68 percent).
The survey also asked if employers should only consider qualified candidates or if they should also consider demographics when hiring.
About 60 percent of respondents said employers should only consider how qualified a candidate is, even if it results in less diversity.
“It’s the opposite of what people were saying in the previous series of questions, that it’s important that these groups are represented,” research director Jason Disano told The Canadian Press in a telephone interview from Saskatoon.
“People like the idea in theory, but when it comes to real world implications or potential ramifications for them as individuals, that’s when they say, ‘Wait a minute, maybe we’ll take a step back on this. I support the idea, but I don’t support specific actions to do it. ‘”
What people are reading
About a quarter of those surveyed, and the majority between the ages of 35 and 54, also said they missed a career opportunity or know someone who missed a career opportunity due to the decision to increase diversity at the workplace. job.
“It’s surprising, but it also makes a lot of sense from the perspective that initiatives (for equity, diversity and inclusion) really started to emerge in the last 10 to 20 years,” Disano said.
“Those who are 55 and older are established in their career, and younger people, especially in these times of COVID-19, may have had fewer opportunities to be potentially affected by some of these initiatives.”
Most support #diversity in the workplace, but not if it is a job qualification: national survey.
Disano said the survey also indicated, overall, that women were more likely than men to support diversity in the workplace.
Respondents were also asked about the importance of French-speaking elected officials.
Most respondents said politicians should be fluent in both official languages. About 83 percent said it is important for the prime minister to speak French, while 65 percent said it is important for members of provincial governments and 64 percent said it is important for prime ministers.
Those in Quebec, more than in other jurisdictions, said elected officials should be fluent in both official languages.
Disano said asking questions about diversity, representation and language is important because it shows that there is a need to have a broader conversation about diversity in the workplace between governments, workplaces and other organizations.
“The problem is really in terms of convincing people why it’s important and how they make an overall difference,” Disano said.
The survey was reliable with an accuracy of plus or minus 3.1 percent, with a 95 percent confidence level.
This Canadian Press report was first published on January 10, 2022.
Reference-www.nationalobserver.com