Inclusive Hiring for Global Impact
Cuso International is a Canadian non-profit development organization committed to eradicating poverty and inequality through the efforts of skilled volunteers, collaborative partnerships, and compassionate donors. Operating across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, Cuso champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in its global operations and within the organization.
Cuso International uses a comprehensive recruitment strategy to attract immigrant talent. Job postings are published on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed and Charity Village to ensure a broad outreach to qualified candidates globally. They partner with immigrant-serving agencies such as World Skills Employment Centre to connect with immigrants seeking employment. Cuso International also recruits candidates from abroad and provides tailored support to ease their transition to Canada. To foster fairness, their hiring panels are diverse, representing multiple cultural backgrounds, genders, and age groups to minimize unconscious bias and ensure equitable candidate assessment.
Cuso International’s onboarding process is tailored to support immigrant employees. This includes pre-onboarding meetings to introduce new hires to their teams and organizational structure, detailed onboarding plans outlining expectations, deliverables, and role-specific guidance and a buddy system pairing new employees with experienced staff. New hires also receive training on organizational policies covering key areas such as protection from harassment, discrimination and workplace ethics, to foster inclusion from day one.
The organization is committed to the success of immigrant employees through tailored development programs. Structured check-ins are conducted at 30, 90, and 180 days to provide feedback, guidance, and coaching. Employees also benefit from professional development opportunities, including mentorship, “Lunch and Learn” sessions, and flexible language training to support English, French, and Spanish language development. The Employee Assistance Program provides culturally sensitive mental health resources to assist newcomers in navigating the challenges of resettlement and workplace integration.
Cuso International promotes a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Celebratory events like multicultural potlucks and the “Global Village,” foster cultural exchange and belonging among staff. Additionally, a dedicated Wellness Room is available for prayer, meditation, or reflection, ensuring employees have space for personal well-being.
“Receiving this award fills us with immense pride and gratitude. Harnessing the impact of diverse perspective and talents is essential in contributing to our vision of creating an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world where all people are treated with dignity and can participate fully in society.” Cory Leblanc, Chief Operations Officer.
Immigrant employees have enriched Cuso International with unique perspectives, multilingual skills, and innovative problem-solving approaches. Their contributions have enhanced collaboration, strengthened cultural competencies, and expanded Cuso International’s global reach. This inclusive approach has fostered higher employee engagement, improved workplace satisfaction, and bolstered the organization’s reputation as an inclusive and socially responsible employer.