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Most large enterprises support thousands of employees that feature a wide variety of different cultures and backgrounds. However, within these large organizations, there may be employees who experience challenges finding their place and voice.

Fortunately, there are companies, such as Rogers, that have inclusive cultures to help their employees feel represented and welcome.

"It doesn't matter who you are, everyone can work for Rogers," said Carlie Baylis, who has been with the company for eight years and is currently working as an onboarding specialist. "It doesn't matter what your background is or where you're from. It's interesting to see how I've changed my views. I've learned more about other cultures."

Rogers emphasizes the importance of diversity and ensures their employees feel comfortable being themselves at work.

Baylis is a quarter Native and used to be shy and hesitant to tell anyone. However, when she heard her coworkers talking about being Aboriginal, she was able to open up and ask questions. She was even encouraged to join the Aboriginal Peoples Diversity Team.

"Rogers’ inclusion and diversity council is promoting this and I was able to start telling people my story," she said. "It's been challenging, but having more opportunities to talk about it, is huge."

She also says being on the Aboriginal Peoples Diversity Team at work allowed her to be more vocal about certain things. It also helped educate others about the history of Aboriginal and Indigenous people by bringing in guest speakers.

Nicole McCormick, managing assignment editor at CityNews and Breakfast Television, also acknowledged Rogers' focus on honouring different cultures as something that gave her a voice. In particular, McCormick was chosen to represent Rogers as the keynote speaker at the North American Indigenous Festival.

"I wouldn't have been given that opportunity without the encouragement and support of my colleagues on the Aboriginal Peoples Diversity team," said McCormick. “This team gives me a voice I have never had in a company before. They remind me that being a strong, successful First Nations woman with an opinion is something to be celebrated and shared with others."

McCormick also says how proud she is to be part of a team dedicated to cultural awareness and acceptance.

"Rogers culture is creative, diverse, inclusive and energetic," she said. "I appreciate that I work for a company where my thoughts and opinions are valued, respected and supported."

Rogers has several campaigns and groups that help promote diversity in the workplace. Baylis is on the Aboriginal Peoples Diversity Team, and McCormick was a representative for Rogers' national "I'm IN" campaign, which featured real, diverse employees spreading the message of inclusion.

Inclusion and Diversity at Rogers has helped its employees flourish. Rogers also makes sure to provide guidance on how their staff can achieve their career goals. Many workers, such as Baylis and McCormick, have their current positions because of the support and encouragement they had from their managers.

Baylis had a manager in Burnaby who pushed her to take one career challange she was uncomfortable doing, even helping her career transition to Toronto. She's now working with her current manager and recruiter to help determine her next career goals at Rogers.

For McCormick, her managers helped her set career goals and provided her with feedback, encouragement, and constructive criticism to help better herself.

"I think the biggest benefit I enjoy while working with Rogers is knowing my job possibilities are endless," McCormick said. “Rogers makes a point to invest in their employees.”

Topic: 
inclusivity