Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion
We strive to represent the diversity present within the communities we serve
Overview
At Ottawa Community Housing, we strive to represent the diversity present within the communities we serve. We are committed to engaging employees in creating a workplace culture of inclusion and belonging, where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and feel valued. Our employees come from all different backgrounds, represent all genders, age groups, and sexual orientations, speak a multitude of languages, and share different experiences and perspectives. We would not have it any other way.
Vision
To foster an organizational culture of inclusion and belonging, while representing the diversity present within the communities we serve, which allows us to better understand and serve their needs.
Mission
OCHC is committed to enhancing its focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through internal initiatives to engage employees and leaders and external initiatives to build partnerships and connect with OCHC communities.
Our Plan
OCHC has developed a formalized multi-year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Plan because it is important that the organization reflect the diverse communities we serve. It is based on three key pillars:
- Attract and acquire a diverse talent pool
- Establish and leverage partnerships to enhance the development of a diverse inclusive workplace
- Create a culture of inclusivity and belonging through leadership and employee engagement
Internal-facing initiatives to engage employees, and external-facing initiatives to connect with OCHC communities and academic partners, continue to be developed so we can renew our daily commitment to continue building safer, healthier and more inclusive communities.
This ongoing work enables the organization to transition from a strictly compliance-based focus to a path of inclusion and belonging through awareness, employee engagement and an inclusion lens approach
Key Initiatives
Corporate Culture
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champions Table
- Employee Resource Groups
Learning and Development
- Internal Speaker Sessions for Black History/Legacy Month
- Engaged external consultant for Anti-Racism sessions with staff and leadership
- Released mandatory training on Inclusion and Unconscious Bias through our online learning program
- Coming Soon: Launch of an Inclusion Lens toolkit (training to come in Fall
2022
Recruitment, Retention and Employment
- Review of Hiring Practices (More inclusive job postings, OCH Careers Page,
hiring process review) - Addition of DE&I questions into the Employee Engagement Survey in an effort
to gain an understanding of how employees experience Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion in their day-to-day work environment at OC
- Integration of gender-neutral language into collective agreements/employment
- Launched our very first Peer Support Program
Community Partnerships
- Partnership with City for all Women Initiative (CAWI) for community anti-racism awareness
- Partnership with Algonquin College on trade jobs co-op program
- Youth Futures Program
In a challenging economy, Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) has successfully matched a desire to make the world a better place with the need for more financially sustainable operations.
Read the Green Plan
OCH has a Development Strategy, which outlines plans for building more affordable housing. The City of Ottawa’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan targets OCH to add an average of 300 affordable homes per year.
Read the Plan