WE LIVE AND WORK in a society that is remarkable for the diversity of its make-up. Differences in ethnic background and culture, as well as in the way we think, add to both the complexity and richness of our lives.

Today Xerox Canada, known as the leader in document solutions and services, is not only bridging the gap between the paper and digital worlds, but is also bridging the gap between people. Employing people from over 30 different countries, Xerox Canada has demonstrated its commitment to the value of diversity in several ways including rigorous compliance with employment equity. Policies and awareness programs that foster inclusive behavior have helped us create a culture that is fair to people of all backgrounds.

In fact, Xerox Canada has been consistently recognized as a leader in diversity initiatives. Xerox Canada’s aim in embracing diversity is two-fold: to have a workforce that reflects the Canadian population; to create an environment where diversity is valued and where all individuals can realize their full potential.

Violette Lareau, Director, Recruiting and Diversity, calls the culture “inclusive and empowering…one that respects and leverages people’s differences to enrich our lives and the lives of our customers.”

There are three trends that make creating an inclusive culture a business imperative: markets are becoming increasingly globalized, the pool of qualified candidates is shrinking, and the face of the Canadian population is changing.

In our eyes, however, creating an inclusive culture is not only a business imperative but also an opportunity. People from various backgrounds have different insights, thus offering more creative business solutions and approaches which are more in sync with our diverse customers.

Much of Xerox Canada’s success is due to the fact that diversity has been integrated into the company’s management systems. But creating an inclusive culture is an ongoing process, not a program with a beginning and an end.

An excellent starting point in implementing policies and awareness programs is for employees to try to identify and deconstruct misconceptions and stereotypes they might have about others. Xerox Canada provides cultural sensitivity training to address these misconceptions. Each employee has equal responsibility in creating a culture where individuals are treated the way they wish to be treated.

Xerox Canada also offers diversity friendly employment practices such as flexible working arrangements and an employee assistance program that provides employees with guidance on issues such as elder and child care.

Today Xerox Canada’s workforce is comprised of a variety of people in a variety of locations, including the leading edge Xerox Research Centre of Canada in Mississauga. Our work force chose Xerox Canada because of its teamwork oriented culture, respect for diversity and opportunities for advancement. We are committed to hiring the best people and to mirroring the communities in which we operate.

Xerox Canada is also committed to improving and promoting the full participation of Aboriginal people in the Canadian economy. This commitment is evident by our Aboriginal Education Support Program. It offers Aboriginal people the opportunity to acquire and improve technology skills, enabling their employment in the information technology industry so that they too can share in the economic prosperity of the knowledge age.

This program consists of two elements: scholarship awards and internship opportunities. Scholarships are awarded each year to up to eight Aboriginal students who are pursuing post secondary education. The internships offered through the program provide short-term work experience and exposure to Xerox Canada’s corporate culture.

Xerox Canada believes its employees are a key element in realizing success in its new approach to its customers and markets, and to its vision of being the leader in providing document solutions. Crucial to our success will be harnessing the talent, energy and commitment of our present and future employees, so that they can anticipate and meet our customers’ needs. In an era in which competitive success depends upon knowledge and the ability to leverage it, the biggest competitive advantage we have is our people – regardless of where they come from – and their ability to be the best that they can be.