Embracing DIBs: Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at EventMobi
MaRS research results on the state of diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIBs) in Toronto’s tech sector were released last month. MaRS works with an extensive network of partners to help entrepreneurs launch and grow the innovative companies that shaping the Canadian and global landscape.
MaRS Talent Development Initiative
Specifically, MaRS’ Talent Development program offers specialized programming and research to help build the talent pipeline within the Toronto tech community. The research aims to shed light on the challenges companies face in attracting, hiring and retaining diverse talent, and to provide data on how workers feel about the state of DIBs in their workplaces.
The comprehensive research study included:
- conducting focus groups with 110 Toronto tech-sector employers and 28 tech-sector employees;
- interviewing 16 DIBs experts; and
- surveying 456 Toronto tech-sector employees.
While the survey found that employees vary widely in their feelings about the organizations where they work, there is good news: employers want to engage in and/or improve their DIBs initiatives.
How EventMobi is Contributing to DIBs
EventMobi participated in this research and will be using the findings as a foundation to further increasing our DIBs among Mobiers and into the greater communities we engage with. We’re proud of our workplace diversity, and put sincere intention into fostering a genuine sense of inclusion and belonging across our EventMobi family.
While the results are focused on the Toronto tech community, where EventMobi’s headquarters resides, we think these issues are very much global. It will be challenging. The solutions are not always straightforward, but the only way to see change is to try with one step at a time. Understanding the current state of DIBs is a good start, but it’s only the beginning. We need to continue working to meet the challenges of engaging with diverse talent as we move forward because by doing so, we’ll be improving our own business and that of the communities we participate in.
Therefore, we are also pleased to say that EventMobi will be an active participant in a sector-wide Inclusion Council that MaRS is establishing. The mandate will be to dig into these issues and help support leaders enhance DIBs at their organizations. The important thing to remember is that no one organization is responsible for doing this work on their own. It’s a community effort. Members of the council will be able to share best practices, have access to curated resources, toolkits, support, and create an open peer-dialogue with others around the challenges they are facing.
From hiring to compensation, promotion, benefits, and company-sponsored programs/events, these are examples of a few areas where actions are taken regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, family status, age, language or national origin. EventMobi ensures accommodations are made for individuals who require them.
Staff in our workplace are encouraged to let management know of any accommodations that should be made. We also offer a variety of channels for Mobiers to provide feedback, including anonymously, if needed. All of this aligns with core company values, including honesty and transparency. We are dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to promote diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace.
Each Mobier’s contribution has a great impact on the tens of thousands of organizations that use EventMobi’s event management software. But we also know that there is always room for improvement. We have an obligation to increase our participation in our communities and spread the message of the value in fostering even greater DIBs than the current landscape.
To learn more about our culture and company values, check out our Careers Page.