One of the most significant challenges caused by the pandemic is its impact on employment. As province-wide safety measures came into place, businesses struggled to continue operating and many people lost employment.
Causeway, a not-for-profit organization in Ottawa that helps people with barriers to employment including mental illness and disabilities find rewarding work, sees the impact of this first-hand.
The increases in both unemployment and mental health challenges as a result of the pandemic places Causeway in a unique position to get people back to work, connect them to community and mental health resources, and equip businesses with the support they need to find talent.
By taking a holistic approach to employment, Causeway creates sustainable pathways for people to find work – an approach that ensures those hit hardest by the pandemic, including people with disabilities and mental illness, people of colour, and women are an integral part of the road to economic recovery.
“As women in leadership, we can set the stage for building services and systems that are reflective of the people in our community,” says Hailey Hechtman,
Executive Director of Causeway. “We know that diversity is a key to generating new ideas, providing insights into creative solutions driven by real experiences and a tapestry of voices at the table. It is our job to co-create a system that is accessible to all people, that can be navigated easily and sees everyone in our world as valuable context experts of their own their lives.
“The future for us at Causeway is driven by a combination of organizational self-reflection — where we are intentional in the way we support people, the way we listen to them and the way we showcase their strengths to employers — as well as the establishment of intersections and partnerships with other agencies in spaces like housing, food security, women’s empowerment, youth justice and mental health. Where together, we can create pathways that are person-centered, meet people where they are at and help them to reach their potential.”
In the current climate, many workplaces are taking a harder look at creating workspaces that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Causeway is a resource for employers not just to find talent, but to also learn about ways they can create positive and inclusive work environments to support a diverse workforce.
To learn more about Causeway’s employment programs and services and how Causeway can help businesses find job-ready candidates, please visit www.causewayworkcentre.org
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