• Canadian HR Reporter (CHRR) magazine places Hyundai Canada on the list of 2024 Five-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employers
• This is the second year in-a-row that Hyundai Canada earns this recognition, underscoring its sustainable and effective programs.
• Hyundai Canada takes diversity initiatives to the grassroots level though education bursaries and programs to reach underrepresented communities and secure a wider talent pool for the automotive industry.
  

Hyundai Canada is recognized by Canadian Human Resources Reporter (CHRR) and awarded the Five-star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer underscoring the pivotal role the human resources team plays in creating policies and programs where everyone is geared for success. This is the second year for Hyundai Canada to earn this designation from Key Media’s Canadian Human Resources Reporter. As an impartial authority in the HR sector, Canadian HR Reporter conducted an exhaustive research study to identify and showcase the industry's top performers. In this thorough assessment, Hyundai Canada has emerged as one of the distinguished contributors in Canada.

“Building an inclusive and equitable workplace is a collective effort of team members from all levels. The active listening to each diverse group and looking at ways to ensure we have a business environment that is safe and helps them thrive is not just the work of policies and benefits, but the active participation of managers and co-workers on a daily basis,” says Kirk Merrett, director of human resources and administration and Hyundai Canada. “Thank you to CHRR for this recognition. I am grateful to work with a leadership team that supports DEI initiatives as an integral part of our successful business model. We are also fortunate to have many partners in Canada that champion and guide us.”

Canadian HR Reporter’s 30+ strong Intelligence Unit determined the winners by following a rigorous process, which included interviewing objective industry professionals and conducting extensive research that best reflect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices criteria.

Hyundai Canada has been spearheading many internal education initiatives that help remove stigmas and foster a culture where team members at all levels feel included and have the right support systems in place to thrive. These policies have played a pivotal role in the success of Hyundai Canada, not just internally, but externally as it aims to best reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. Some of these policies included an increase in benefits to support mental wellness and different forms of caregiving such as gender affirmation support, surrogacy coverage and parental leave top-up, not to mention an online veterinary care program that allows for 24/7 support for pet owners. Most recently, the HR team partnered with Diversio to provide training opportunities for inclusive hiring.

Chris Sweeney, managing editor for special reports at Canadian HR Reporter, shared his insights on the selection process, stating, "It was inspirational to learn about the initiatives and programs the nationwide nominees have implemented. Hyundai Auto Canada’s team was recognized for their commitment and steadfast belief in promoting diversity and inclusion, and for ensuring their employees are part of a culture which values them all.” 

Furthermore, Hyundai Canada’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are lauded for their forward-thinking initiatives and having the full support of the leadership team to see them through. Moreover, new hires undergo mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training along with carrying out multiple Subject Matter Expert Sessions (SMEs) throughout the year to have deeper and conscious understanding of what true diversity means in the professional, mental, physical and psychological spheres.

Hyundai Canada has been keen on creating more inclusive work environment in the automotive industry as a whole and has taken it to the grassroots level through education bursaries and academic programs for underrepresented groups.