7 tips to support new Canadians at work in hospitality

Canada has been welcoming approximately 400,000 immigrants each year since 2021, according to data from Statistics Canada. That’s a lot of people arriving within a short period of time, and many are building their lives in Canada with jobs in the service and hospitality sector. All of this means that there’s a good chance your hospitality team already has some new hires who are also new Canadians.

“In the hotel industry, we’re seeing a lot of newcomers working as room attendants, taking on cleaning and laundry duties, dealing with parking, and performing building and property maintenance,” says David Smith, partnership account manager at Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). “It’s important for employers and supervisors to recognize the barriers that new Canadians face so that they can support them through their transition and set them up for success at work.”

Smith explains that the first step for a newcomer isn’t necessarily to look for a job right away. First, they need to get settled. “Settlement agencies will help with finding a place to live, getting kids registered in school, learning the area and how to get around on transit. Once people get used to their new surroundings and routines become established, they are ready to enter the workforce.

Explaining worker rights and responsibilities

Depending on where an employee came from, the rights and responsibilities of working in Canada may be new to them. “When you have someone new to Canada on your team, you really need to emphasize the rights of workers—the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to refuse unsafe work,” says Smith. “Understanding these rights is particularly important for new workers because they need to understand that they will not be punished for asking questions or pointing out a hazard.”

In addition to their rights, new workers also need to understand their responsibilities, such as using required personal protective equipment and reporting hazards when they see them. Ensure that all new workers, whether new to Canada or not, receive health and safety awareness training that covers this information. Employers must also provide a proper orientation so that new workers become familiar with the property and facility, along with training on how to safely perform their duties.

“As an employer or supervisor, you need to explain the hazards that workers may encounter while doing their jobs so they are aware. You also need to explain the controls or procedures that are in place to protect them,” says Smith. “It’s important for workers to understand why they are supposed to do something a certain way. Often, it’s to prevent them from getting an injury or illness.”

7 tips to help new Canadians transition to working in Canada

Workers new to Canada have been filling the workforce gaps in several sectors, including hotels and hospitality. Support their transition and help them thrive with these seven tips.

1. Translate and demonstrate.

Translate training material, health and safety documents, and orientation information to help a new worker get started. In some cases, a simple translation app can go a long way to removing conversational language barriers as a new employee works towards fluency in English. Another way to overcome a language barrier is by demonstrating a task for a new worker. Show them how to do something and then observe them doing it to ensure they understand your instructions.

2. Use clear and simple language.

Avoid jargon, slang, idioms, and acronyms that may not be familiar to someone who is learning English. Speak clearly and slowly.

3. Use visuals.

Pictures or videos that demonstrate how to do something safely can be very effective when you are dealing with language barriers.

4. Consider cultural differences.

Some things that are common to most workplaces in Ontario may not be common to workplaces in other countries. “For example, some workers who are new to Ontario may not be used to asking questions or raising concerns,” says Smith. Ensure your health and safety orientation explains workers’ rights and responsibilities, with an emphasis on a worker’s right to know, ask questions, and participate in the workplace. Encourage involvement.

5. Provide social networking opportunities.

When someone is new to the country, it can often take time for them to build a social network and develop relationships, which is an important part of integrating into the community. Facilitate social networking by getting people together and organizing some events—at work and outside of work.

6. Pair new workers with a mentor.

Many organizations pair new workers with a mentor during their probationary period. For someone new to working in Ontario, a mentor can be a huge resource at work and outside of work. This is a great way for a new worker to learn about the organization’s customs and culture.

7. Schedule informal check-in meetings.

Communication is critical to building trust and developing relationships. A good way to foster open communication with a new worker is to have regular, casual meetings to see how things are going at work and home. Getting to know each other on a personal level will help build a solid foundation for a productive working relationship.

“Patience and kindness go a long way to help someone who is new to Canada adjust to their new home,” offers Smith. When you give a new employee the support they need to be successful at work, it also helps them build a successful life outside of work, which is what we want for all new Canadians.

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