The Evolution of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Sonepar

CEW-29-Sonepar-EvolutionInclusion-400.jpg

April 27, 2022

As Sonepar continues to make Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives a priority within the organization, last year Sonepar Canada President Francois Anquetil, and VP of Human Resources, Reina Ohol, conducted focus groups aimed at learning from the experiences of our associates.

“It’s difficult for anyone to try and navigate how best to address DE&I in the workplace,” Reina said. “We wanted to create initiatives and action plans that would be meaningful to our associates and not be based solely on metrics. Therefore, we took an “inclusive approach,” to DE&I. We listened to what our associates had to say and got ideas directly from them to help create a positive impact.”

Associates were invited to participated in focus groups which took place over a course of three different sessions and concentrated on gender diversity, visible minorities, and multigenerational diversity and inclusion.

“Overall, the sessions exceeded my expectations,” she said. “You have to be courageous to persevere through a confronting and uncomfortable situation, especially within the workplace. In addition, we were asking our participants to relive and share their personal experiences not only with us but also with their peers.”

“Our associates trusted us enough to be vulnerable and I really commend their level of bravery, along with our ability as a collective to make the sessions a positive and safe space. I felt honoured to sit amongst these individuals and have the privilege to listen to what they had to say.”

“Moving forward, we are concentrating on education and training. Whether it’s regarding bringing awareness and understanding to different ethnicities, genders, or generations, we want to ensure we are creating a culture that is highly aware of microaggressions, biases and prejudices within the workplace.

“We also want to make learning opportunities more readily available, especially for the younger generations,” said Reina. “By doing so, we can eliminate the impression that career development is only obtainable to those who have a certain level of seniority with the company.”

“Ultimately, we want to ensure all associates feel they have access to career opportunities regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or age and that Sonepar becomes the depiction of inclusivity in the workplace.”

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • IMARK Canada Appoints Jennifer Eastman as New President

    IMARK Canada Appoints Jennifer Eastman as New President

    IMARK Canada has recently appointed Jennifer Eastman to the position of President, IMARK Canada, effective January 2, 2024. The IMARK Canada Board of Directors considered and interviewed many qualified candidates. Jennifer was selected based on her vast and varied knowledge of both the electrical wholesaling and manufacturing industries. Her career spans over 35 years, in… Read More…

  • LML EBH Hockey Night Hosted by E.B. Horsman & Son at Scotia Barn

    LML EBH Hockey Night Hosted by E.B. Horsman & Son at Scotia Barn

    On December 1st, E.B. Horsman & Son invited suppliers and customers to play at its LML EBH Honey Night at the Scotia Barn. It was reportedly a great game between the EB Horsman Blues vs. White. E.B. Horsman & Son gives thanks to everyone that came out to the event. Read More…


Peers & Profiles

  • Taken from Graybar Canada Linkedin Post Enjoy a glimpse of the wonderful moments from Graybar Canada’s recent customer appreciation BBQs! The company was grateful for the smiles and connections made with our amazing customers and vendors. They are looking forward to the next gathering! Source Read More…

  • Article taken from Linkedin Post Electrozad is thrilled to spotlight their Chatham Branch and recognize their exceptional efforts in cleaning up their community. The team took time to coordinate a community clean-up around their branch. This is a commendable initiative that not only helps maintain the cleanliness and hygiene around the branch but also contributes… Read More…