McMaster University recorded an increase in representation among all equity-deserving groups across its senior leadership and other full-time and continuing employee groups as of 2021. The findings were showcased in the university’s 2021 Employment Equity Census Report.

The Employment Equity Census Report provides a snapshot of the composition of McMaster’s workforce and supports the planning and implementation in support of employment equity. It is a critical part of the university’s commitment to advance equity, diversity and inclusive excellence in the workplace.

McMaster utilizes the data to examine workforce diversity, identify any barriers in community representation and improve equitable employment practices.

“Seeing an increase in the number of equity-deserving groups represented across some of our biggest employee groups is an encouraging move forward,” said Wanda McKenna, assistant vice-president, and chief human resources officer.

“The census findings continue to pinpoint ways to ensure equity, diversity and inclusion principles are incorporated into the work that we do, as well as opportunities for training and awareness programs to strengthen inclusion.”

The report also highlighted remaining gaps in representation at the institution, particularly for Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities.

“While there is still work to be done, the report helps us focus on areas where we need to do more, and we look forward to having more granular disaggregated information to examine intersectionality in the coming year,” said Dr. Sonia Anand, acting associate vice-president, Equity and Inclusion.

“Inclusive excellence is integral to McMaster and to strengthening our research, teaching and service at the university.”

Human Resources Services will continue to engage with key stakeholder groups on the development of action plans, and the broader McMaster community to provide updates on current and upcoming initiatives, as well as programming to help advance inclusive excellence.

The census report is produced on a biennial basis by Human Resources Services, in collaboration with the Equity and Inclusion Office and with support from Institutional Research and Analysis. All data is confidential with voluntary self-identification, and employees can complete the census or update their responses at any point.

Employees who haven’t completed the census can complete it through Mosaic.

Questions about the report, or requests for additional data analysis, can be sent to Ayo Osinowo, Program Coordinator, Employment Equity in Human Resources Services at osinowa@mcmaster.ca.

To learn more about Employment Equity at McMaster, contact May-Marie Duwai-Sowa, Employment Equity Specialist in Human Resources Services at duwaisom@mcmaster.ca.