Meet the Rising Star Award Recipient and Nominees for 2023
The Rising Star Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate emerging practices of accessibility and inclusion in their workplaces. The finalists and recipient are selected by the Presidents Group from members of our Community of Accessible Employers.
This year the Community of Accessible Employers included many dedicated, engaged employers worthy of recognition. It was a tough decision!
Our Presidents Group advisory committee members ultimately selected 3 employers who were deserving of recognition for going above and beyond for their employees—highlighting workplace policies and practices that foster an inclusive workplace culture for all employees.
All 3 finalists were recognized at the Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards hosted on October 13, 2023 in partnership with Presidents Group, Open Door Group, and Canadian Partners in Workforce Innovation.
Award Recipient: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice stands out for its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. They prioritize flexibility by offering a range of options, including self-scheduling, flexible hours, and hybrid work arrangements.
Their People & Culture team has taken the initiative to enhance disability management within the organization, completing the Disability Management Practitioner Certificate Program and establishing an in-house disability management program.
Notably, Canuck Place acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health, approaching each team member as a whole person. They create customized return-to-work plans, ensuring that every individual’s unique needs are addressed.
This holistic approach underscores their dedication to the well-being of their staff.
Top Finalist: Stanley Park Ecology Society
Stanley Park Ecology Society is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Their job postings emphasize the importance of fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity. They notify candidates about shortlisting for interviews and readily offer accommodations for those who may require them.
To ensure accessibility for all, the organization has made health and safety information and manuals available in accessible formats, and they seek input from individuals on their preferred information delivery methods.
Stanley Park Ecology Society also supports work-life balance through “hot hours” between 11 am and 3 pm, allowing staff to choose flexible start and end times that align with their individual preferences and needs. This approach reflects their dedication to creating an accommodating and diverse work environment.
Top Finalist: CTRS Market Intelligence
CTRS Market Intelligence prioritizes employee well-being through a range of initiatives.
They provide sick leave without the need for requests, offer extended pay for medical leave, and go beyond a living wage by doubling wages for lower-end employees.
Additionally, they accommodate disabilities by adjusting work tasks and ensuring tasks don’t worsen conditions. These efforts underscore CTRS’s commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable workplace.