Championing Inclusivity: Western Financial Group's Blueprint for Diverse Hiring Processes and Talent Development

This blog was created based on the content delivered by Banks Falade, Dan Laul, Daria Verigina, Hira Jahangir, and Phil Law, from Western Financial Group, during their July 11th 2024 webinar on employment opportunities and fair hiring processes for refugees and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

This blog was originally published on Jumpstart on August 19th. 

Championing Inclusivity: Western Financial Group’s Blueprint for Diverse Hiring Processes and Talent Development

Since its inception, in 1996, Western Financial Group has stayed true to its culture embedded in the organization’s Guiding Principles: truthfulness, fairness, value, and loyalty. Western Financial Group has been a long-term partner of Jumpstart, exemplifying how to set new standards in corporate inclusivity and talent development. Collaborating with Jumpstart, Western Financial Group, has actively broadened its talent pool to include refugees, which enhances their workforce with unique perspectives and experiences. This strategic partnership demonstrates Western Financial Group’s proactive approach to fostering talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring their workforce reflects the multicultural fabric of Canada.

Broadening Horizons: Embracing Diversity in Hiring Practices & Welcoming Diverse Backgrounds

Western Financial Group has long championed an inclusive approach to hiring, emphasizing that employees do not need to possess specific Canadian experience to join their team. This commitment is reflected in their diverse workforce, comprising individuals from various ethnic backgrounds and with varied professional experiences. Western Financial is dedicated to providing an equitable hiring process that offers employees equal opportunities for various positions within the organization.

Appreciating the Unique Experiences of Their Employees

A current employee, Banks Falade, a Communications Specialist at Western Financial, has prior work experience in Nigeria. She shares that Western Financials’ welcoming and open environment allowed her to comfortably discuss her work experiences and cultural stories from back home. Banks mentioned that, unlike other companies where non-verbal cues might indicate a lack of interest in such backgrounds, Western Financial actively seeks to understand and appreciate the unique experiences of their employees. This inclusive atmosphere enables employees to bring their authentic selves to work, which helps foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance and makes the process less daunting for adjusting to new work environments and cultures.

Funding Certifications and Facilitating Professional Development

Western Financial goes beyond traditional hiring practices by providing substantial employee support. This includes funding certifications and facilitating professional development. Employees do not need prior licensing to apply; the company accommodates individuals with transferable skills and assists them in obtaining necessary licenses post-hiring. Aspiring insurance advisors can join the company without a Level 1 insurance license, as Western Financial provides the required training and support to help them achieve certification. This also allows the necessary support and knowledge for employees once they want to receive the various Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications.

Harnessing Adaptable Skills and Essential Qualifications for Career Success

Western Financial values a range of transferable skills, such as sales and customer service experience, particularly for new entrants to the industry. The company looks for applicants committed to a long-term career in insurance. While some specialized roles may require specific qualifications, entry-level positions, such as insurance advisors are accessible to those with the right fit and experience.

Some of the Transferable Skills Western Financial Illustrated:

• Individuals new to the insurance industry should not worry, as long as they have strong sales and customer service experience – both highly valued.
• Effective engagement with clients is a strong asset.
• Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with a focus on finding candidates committed to pursuing a long-term career in insurance.
• Certain specialized roles require specific qualifications and dedicated services depending on the seniority of the position. For example, assistant administrative positions demand higher qualifications compared to insurance advisors.
• For those aspiring to become insurance advisors, the selection process emphasizes finding the best fit based on relevant experience.

Navigating the Ever-Evolving Job Market: Insights from Western Financial Group

For those seeking employment, Daria Verigina, the current Team Lead at Western Financial Group, advises leveraging modern job search platforms like LinkedIn, as many hiring managers are active there. She emphasizes the importance of optimizing resumes to meet Western Financials’ standards, highlighting that the hiring process is merit-based and inclusive.

Accessing Opportunities Without a Network: Strategies and Insights

Here are some approaches Daria recommends when securing employment without having any established connections within an internal organization:

• Diversifying Job Search Channels:Try utilizing platforms beyond traditional sources like Indeed, which may be outdated. LinkedIn, for instance, offers active engagement from hiring managers.
• Direct Company Engagement: Visit the careers page of companies of interest directly to explore opportunities. At Western Financial Group, merit-based recruitment ensures consideration based on resume optimization rather than specific field qualifications.
• Wide Reach Across Canada: Explore over 50+ jobs Western Financial Group provides, across diverse regions all over Canada, to maximize job prospects and opportunities.

Insurance Advisor Licensing Requirements:

Prospective insurance advisors typically require a Level 1 insurance license, which varies by province. Detailed prerequisites can be found on Western Financial Group’s website, ensuring compliance with provincial policies.

Role-specific Requirements:

While certain positions necessitate advanced qualifications, many roles, including some specialized functions, adhere to Level 1 licensing standards.

The Insider Scope: Personal Testimonials, Organizational Culture & Internal Growth Opportunities

Current employees like Dan Lal, a Talent Acquisition Consultant, Hira Jahangir, an Assistant Branch Manager, Phil Law, a Talent Specialist, Daria and Banks, all highlight that Western Financial Group has a welcoming culture, which is characterized by genuine interest in an individual backgrounds and skills. This supportive environment cultivates a sense of belonging, easing concerns of fit and accent barriers.

Supportive Onboarding Process

Western Financials’ onboarding process is designed to support newcomers, including refugees. New employees are paired with higher level/senior mentors and receive comprehensive training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to succeed. This includes initial training and ongoing support through on-the-job training and professional development programs.

Opportunities Beyond Insurance

The company offers a wide range of opportunities not within the insurance-related realm for example, careers within communication and sales representatives. Western Financial offers various roles, including support functions that do not require insurance licenses. They support employees in obtaining relevant certifications, such as those in communication or change management, further demonstrating their commitment to employee growth and development.

Upon joining Western Financial Group without prior insurance experience or licensure, new recruits embark on a guided licensing process facilitated by the company. This comprehensive journey includes:

• Pairing with an internal mentor aligned with the desired department for tailored training and guidance.
• Extensive training spanning a few months depending on the role, encompassing essential operational procedures, client interaction techniques, and knowledge enhancement.
• On-the-job training alongside experienced colleagues facilitates integration and skill development in the workplace.

Commitment to Embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Building a Community of Belonging through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Diversity Initiatives:

Western Financial Group’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through its robust ERGs and dedicated diversity council. These internal groups, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Ukrainian, and LGBTQ+ communities, foster a supportive environment, by providing:

• A platform for employees to share experiences and advocate for inclusive practices.
• Educational resources, such as company-wide webinars on topics such as sponsorship, leadership, and mentorship tailored to minority community needs.
• Participation opportunities in initiatives like mentoring programs for Jumpstart clients, facilitating community engagement and partnership development.

Western Financials’ dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through their active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and diversity councils. These groups, which include Black, Indigenous, Pride, and other communities, provide a platform for employees to share experiences, advocate for inclusion, and access educational resources. The ERGs and DEI council foster a supportive and inclusive culture, ensuring employees feel heard and valued.

In conclusion, Western Financial Group sets a remarkable example to other companies, fostering corporate inclusivity and enhancing talent development. By creating an environment where refugees’ immigrants or forcibly displaced individuals, can bring their authentic selves to work and provide the necessary support for professional growth, they ensure that their workforce reflects Canada’s diverse and multicultural fabric. Through strategic partnerships and a proactive approach to diversity, Western Financial continues to pave the way in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for the future success of these individuals.