Blog
We’re All In This Together - Episode 05
The bonds that tie your community together can have a major influence in your success. Knowing who your neighbours are, authentically, and what motivates them can help to strengthen those bonds. And when people, workplaces, and communities allow for that authentic connection,
you are empowered to find your right fit.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why it’s important for communities to work together, especially if you live in a rural and remote region
How understanding your motivation (and the motivation of your team and colleagues) can significantly improve your workplace
What it means to allow for authenticity in the workplace in order to ensure strong fit
The Transportation Paradox: Disconnect Between Employer Expectation and Rural Realities - Episode 04
For this week’s episode, the team shares the most shocking disconnect between rural employers and the people they hire. We also dive into the importance of workplace environments, the role our financial realities play in our employment success, and the unique challenges faced by rural communities specifically.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How employers can make a difference in employment success by helping to solve one problem
What it means to have a healthy work environment
How unique rural challenges can often be left out of the equation – and how that impacts program success
Walking Through Spiderwebs: The Discomfort Of Change – Episode 03
Inclusive, equitable diversity in the workplace requires accepting that you’ll experience moments of discomfort. Growth and discomfort often walk hand in hand.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
About some of the challenges you need to prepare for in building an inclusive workplace
How gaining awareness of barriers faced by marginalized groups will help you be a better manager and employer
Why all employers need to keep a trauma-informed lens
New Skills On The Block: Bringing The Right Stuff For Success - Episode 02
What does it take to find success? Whether you’re a job seeker, employee, employer, or part of a community group, it often comes down to the unique combination of skills available to meet your goals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
· About the essential skills everyone benefit from developing – including the Skills for Success
· The value collaboration brings to a community
· How interpersonal skills impact employment success
Introducing The Diversity Disconnect Podcast: Episode 01
After hearing from the diverse residents of Agassiz, Hope, Princeton, Merritt, and Ashcroft, the Diversity Disconnect research team identified 20 factors that influence employment success. Whether you’re a job seeker or employee from an underrepresented group, an employer small or large, or a member of a small, rural community, it’s important to understand how these factors impact your life and the lives of those around you. Empowering yourself with this knowledge will help to improve your local economy, foster inclusive workplaces for all, and spark change for people with diverse abilities and Indigenous Peoples.
How I Entered The Career of Employment Specialist
Around 13 years ago, I met with a case worker from WorkBC while waiting for surgery. As we chatted about why I was there, I remember wondering what it would be like to have their job. Then I thought about all of the education they must have completed to be in that role and I decided it couldn’t be something for me.
Care Connections Program Expands With New Funding
Free Rein Associates is excited to share that our Care Connections program has been expanded! Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have put access to services and health care directly in our hands. However, for many people, this technology is unavailable. If someone is unable to access a smartphone — whether do to cost or digital literacy skills — it often becomes a barrier to receiving critical health care and supports.
New Program Works To Connect Employers with Employees With Disabilities
'The Right Fit' is a new program in Hope that seeks to facilitate supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities and help create a more diverse, inclusive workforce.
To Disclose Or Not To Disclose: That Is The Question
No matter your disability, an employee has no obligation to disclose it to their employer. It is your choice whether or not you wish to share this information, and when you may want to share it.
Care Connections: Connecting Those In Need With Access To Mobile Services
Free Rein Associates’ new Care Connections program helps traditionally marginalized populations access health care and social support services by providing clients with a free smartphone.
Returning To Work While On CPP Disability Benefits
Many are under the impression they can’t work because their CPP benefits would be cut off or lessened to the point that it would not make financial sense to work. This is not entirely true.