EFC and Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) Collaborate to Support HR Initiatives in the Canadian Electrical Industry

July 30, 2019

Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) has formed a strategic partnership with Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), a not-for-profit organization that provides human resources information and tools to help the Canadian electricity industry match workforce supply and demand. As part of this partnership, EFC will collaborate with EHRC to support diversity and inclusion initiatives to help elevate the Canadian electricity industry’s human resources practices.

The Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity is an important initiative that EHRC has developed to promote equality among women in the workforce. EFC has become a signatory of this Accord and is proud to help promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion by offering programs that centre on industry recruitment and retention, professional development and training.

“EHRC is committed to ensuring the electricity workforce across Canada is strong and future-ready,” said Michelle Branigan, Chief Executive Officer, Electricity Human Resources Canada. “This means having workers reflective of our country’s diversity, embracing emerging technology and committed to continuously learning new skills in a rapidly changing workplace. EFC shares the same commitment, and our coordinated efforts will amplify the benefits we’re both providing to the industry—together, we will ensure this industry attracts and retains the best talent, solidifying Canada’s place as a global leader in electricity.”

Several studies have been developed in recent years that show how diversity correlates to improved competitiveness. In a report published by McKinsey, the top quartile performance in diversity is said to yield between 15% and 35% improvements in profit [1]. A study by the Boston Consulting Group shows a 73% improvement in innovation revenue among above-average diversity employers versus below-average diversity employers.[2]

Carol McGlogan, EFC’s President & CEO said, “Innovation and profitability are ranked very high within our membership and if we want to succeed, we need to take a serious look at incorporating diversity into our workforce. It will take a combined commitment from all members to move the needle on diversity in our industry. Some members are well on their way in their diversity and inclusion initiatives, while others require guidance. EFC’s role is to engage in industry benchmarking activities while also sharing best practices to help members along the journey.”

Carol recently shared an industry benchmark that showcases how EFC’s membership fares when it comes
to diversity in organizations: Women represent 24% of the EFC member workforce, compared to 44% for the Canadian workforce; that’s an 83% difference! Women represent 26% of management positions within EFC member companies vs. 34% for the Canadian workforce — another gap of 31%. Visible minorities represent 11.7% of EFC membership vs. 22% for the Canadian workforce; we are just over half the national average. (Source: Canadian Electrical Wholesaler)

EFC’s strategic alliance with EHRC is an important step forward in ensuring all member employees have equal opportunities within the workforce and have access to the tools and resources they need to grow and develop in this industry.

[1] https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Business%20Functions/Organization/Our%20Insights/Why%20diversity%20matters/Why%20diversity%20matters.ashx

[2] https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/how-diverse-leadership-teams-boost-innovation.aspx

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