On January 31st, RBC will receive an award for finding mentors for more than 500 newcomer professionals with TRIEC Mentoring Partnership. A longstanding partner in the program, the bank has recently developed a new way of embedding TRIEC Mentoring Partnership in their organization. Angela White, Senior Manager of Diversity & Governance, shares what makes RBC’s approach to mentoring unique.
How does RBC’s involvement in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership align with your organizational values and priorities?
RBC’s purpose is to help clients thrive and communities prosper. This is why we exist and it inspires us to give our best every day. Our values represent what we stand for and what we expect of one another. We are a people business. We care about our colleagues, clients and communities and there is a strong alignment to partnering with organizations like TRIEC who share a similar vision and values.
Why did RBC decide to take a multi-departmental approach to organizing your participation in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership?
RBC has been helping newcomers get settled in Canada for over 100 years. As a large employer, RBC has the unique ability to leverage the skills of our broad and diverse employee base. TRIEC Mentoring Partnership provided a unique opportunity for our Global Diversity & Inclusion team to collaborate with our MOSAIC Employee Resource Group to enhance cultural awareness, build self-confidence and broaden their personal development while giving back to the community.
How has this approach been beneficial for the working group team members and RBC in general?
As a corporate citizen we recognize that in order for our communities to prosper our ongoing support must be embedded in the fabric of the community through research, volunteerism, partnerships, sponsorships and education. “Volunteering is a way to connect with new people in the community”, “By volunteering our time, we show we care”…. are just some of the testimonials shared by RBC’ers who give back. Through our participation in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, we honour our commitment to social impact by supporting our employees’ community involvement.
What role did senior leadership play in championing the program at RBC amongst their employees?
RBC has been a long-time advocate and partner of TRIEC since 2005 and both our previous CEO and CHRO have served as Chair and Co-Chairs of its Council. Other senior leaders have been actively engaged throughout encouraging participation, sharing their personal perspectives and experiences as well as providing guidance and to our mentors.
How did you create buy in amongst employees and senior managers?
Participating in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership provided RBCers with real life leadership, coaching and mentoring opportunities. It enabled them to develop cross-cultural communication skills as well as enhance the understanding of the skills, experience and positive impact that newcomers to Canada bring to the Canadian economy.
Why is diversity and inclusion important in doing business in your respective business lines?
RBC believes diversity & inclusion is an engine for innovation and economic prosperity. It is one of our core values and embedded in our culture. We believe in doing more to realize opportunities and address challenges. We also believe we can achieve progress in areas that are under-explored and lead change through ideas and action. Ultimately we focus on helping people succeed, making a positive impact on our clients and in the communities where we live and work.
Click here to learn and find out more about RBC’s diversity priorities and objectives.