At J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI), belonging and inclusion are key components of the employee experience. They are rooted in JDI’s values of integrity, people and team-work, ensuring that everyone is treated with fairness and respect.

“The focus at JDI is on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, appreciated, and encouraged to show up as their true self and contribute fully,” says Linda Speedy, JDI’s Vice President, Human Resources in Saint John. “JDI understands that creating an inclusive workplace, contributing to a positive employee experience, drives attraction and retention.”

Building that foundation, of course, starts with the systems that JDI uses to run everyday operations. To ensure their employees feel supported in both their physical and mental health journeys, and can show up to work as their best selves, JDI offers them access to many benefits including: Comprehensive and flexible health plans, a matching retirement savings; 24/7 access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program; salary continuance for disability; accessible buildings; paid maternity leave; free visits to e-doctors through Maple Telemedicine; ergonomic workstations; a wellness benefit; and extensive educational and professional development opportunities.

Also, this year, a hybrid work policy was implemented, giving eligible employees the opportunity to work from home a couple days a week, helping them adjust to the new normal set by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“These partnerships and initiatives provide all employees access to important DEI education resources including webinars, networking opportunities, training articles, and more.”

—Jessica Madia, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, J.D. Irving, Limited

 

In 2019, JDI developed and launched its Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy— ensuring a workplace free of harassment, violence, discrimination, and bullying.

To help everyone develop their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) skillset, JDI has invested in becoming Employer Partners with both the Canadian Centre of Diversity & Inclusion, and Catalyst. Over the past two years, live panel events with internal and external speakers have enabled courageous conversations about the unique challenges faced by diverse communities in the workplace, including Women in operations, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ2S+.

“These partnerships and initiatives provide all employees access to important DEI education resources including webinars, networking opportunities, training articles, and more,” says Jessica Madia, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, who came on board in 2020 to advance JDI’s ‘Road Map to Inclusion’ Strategy. “A DEI certificate program, launched this year for all employees, promotes building awareness and skill through a curated online learning channel.”

 

“The focus at JDI is on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, appreciated, and encouraged to show up as their true self and contribute fully.”

—Linda Speedy, VP, Human Resources, J.D. Irving, Limited

 

As JDI moves forward on its DEI journey, it will continue to seek opportunities to strengthen communities across their operations. Divisions continue to launch Employee Resource Groups to support traditionally marginalized groups and foster a sense of belonging amongst employees. Additionally, JDI continues to seek out opportunities to sponsor and get involved with events in the community that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This year, J.D. Irving Ltd. will launch its first voluntary self-identification campaign to measure the representation of diversity across their business. It has also created an Inclusion Index within their annual Employee Engagement survey to track progress of inclusiveness and sense of belonging across the workforce.

“We’re working to create opportunities to build community inside and outside the organization,” Madia says. “And, as always, keeping fairness and respect top of mind.”