2020 was a game-changing year. In 2020, we experienced a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, social unrest and environmental change. All of these factors contributed to a massive cultural paradigm shift, that impacted all aspects of Canadians’ lives, including their work lives. Randstad Canada aims to be a trusted resource for both employers and job seekers. Expanding our social responsibility strategy is a key part of that vision. 2020 was the Randstad Canada Charitable Foundation’s most active year to date, and we’re proud of many of the initiatives we launched or contributed to in 2020. Learn about some highlights from 2020 below, or download the full 2020 Social Responsibility Report for a more complete picture.
our areas of focus
As the Canadian leader in the HR and recruitment space, we’ve zeroed our corporate social responsibility strategy on workplace issues that Canadians face on a daily basis. We believe we can have the most meaningful impact and enhance the employability of marginalized and vulnerable populations by focusing on these 3 core pillars:
workforce inclusion
We work with partners to enhance access to the Canadian job market for marginalized and immigrant populations by supporting channels of entry.
skill building
We provide individuals with the tools they need to reach their full potential by supporting projects and organizations that build competencies required in the job market.
early education
We’re committed to connecting youth with opportunities and preparing them to meet the challenges of the future world of work. We do this by building digital skills and promoting STEM.
how we made a difference in 2020
randstad foundation grant program
Over $440,000 was allocated to charities through the Randstad Canada Charitable Foundation in 2020. Recipients included Water First’s internship program, Youth Employment Services Lighthouse Project, and the Actua Future Skills Program, among others. At the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, the Randstad Foundation Board of Directors moved quickly to assure grantees that their funding was secure and open up project-based funding so it could be redistributed in areas where it was needed most.
employee-led volunteering and fundraising
Despite challenges due to the pandemic, our employees stepped up and continued to show their generous spirit. In 2020, over $136,000 was raised through employee-driven initiatives such as our annual Charity Auction and the #RandstadGiveItForward challenge. While navigating the new realities presented by COVID-19, our employees were eager to brainstorm new ways they could make a difference while prioritizing the health and well-being of their local communities. Remote volunteering ramped up and Randstad employees generously donated their time.
the 7th annual ride for myriam
The Ride For Myriam is an annual cycling event that was started 7 years ago to honour a Randstad colleague who lost her battle with cancer. In recent years, the ride has been an inspiring challenge: a 600 km trek from Montreal, Canada, to a destination of choice in North America. In 2020, the Ride For Myriam pivoted to a virtual event in response to the pandemic. Randstad employees, friends and families rose to the challenge. With 565 participants from Canada, the US, Europe and India, this was a truly international event! In total $149,924 (CDN) was raised for cancer research. Learn more about the inspiring results in the report!
wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic created a seismic shift in the world of work in 2020. Millions of Canadians had their work situation shift virtually overnight. From massive layoffs and furloughing of workers to learning to work from home to adapting to rigorous new health and safety measures, no one was immune to workplace changes. Randstad Canada stood up as a resource for employers and workers, offering support to help Canadians get back to work, provide health and safety guidance, and support workers’ mental health. Learn about some of the initiatives Randstad Canada contributed to in the full report.