We are thrilled to welcome L’Oréal Canada into TRIEC Mentoring Partnership as an esteemed employer partner. In this exciting collaboration, Virginie Hotte-Dupuis, Director of Engagement & Corporate Social Responsibility, and Michael Comyns, Transformation Lead, from L’Oréal Canada, share the significance of their involvement in the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership program.
Can you tell us about L’Oréal Canada?
Virginie: L’Oréal Canada is a subsidiary of the L’Oréal Group, the world’s leading beauty company, managing 40 iconic beauty brands. Based in Montreal since its creation in 1958, L’Oréal Canada, who will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2023, operates a head office, a plant, a distribution center, as well as a sales office in Toronto and employs more than 1,450 people from 70 nationalities. Its products are available across all distribution channels including hair salons, department stores, mass market, pharmacies, medi-spas, e-commerce and more. L’Oréal Canada’s commitment to growth is generated through sustainable innovation and driven by the company’s L’Oréal for the Future ambition which demonstrates sustainable development across the Group’s value chain. The subsidiary also actively supports the L’Oréal Foundation’s programs such as L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science and Beauty for a Better Life.
Why did you decide to become an employer partner in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership?
Michael: We were immediately drawn to the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership as it seemed like the perfect way to support newcomers in Canada on their journey to find suitable employment. Our mission was to instil a sense of purpose within the Toronto L’Oreal Office through a DEI initiative tailored for our local employees. Given the vibrant diversity of our city, which annually welcomes over 100,000 new immigrants, we felt a desire to connect with recent newcomers.
How do you think the program will help you meet your diversity and inclusion goals?
Michael: Among our four DE&I commitments to our employees, consumers, and suppliers, there’s a focus on promoting multicultural and socio-economic diversity. This program presents a valuable opportunity for us to extend a warm welcome to newcomers in Toronto while also developing our future leader’s mentorship skills.
What benefits do you think your employees will gain from being mentors?
Michael: We believe that engaging in mentorship through TRIEC will not only enhance our employees’ mentoring and leadership competencies but also sharpen their cross-cultural communication skills and deepen their comprehension of immigrant talent.
How will you promote mentoring to your employees?
Michael: We’ve established an internal communication campaign designed to champion the program and ensure we find the ideal participants. This included sending emails to employees, displaying posters throughout our office spaces, and making announcements at company-wide events.
What would you say to another organization that is thinking about signing up for TRIEC Mentoring Partnership?
Virginie: At L’Oréal, we say that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fuel the innovation, inspiration, and ambition that help us to create the beauty that moves the world. We believe that stronger companies and stronger communities are created when people of every culture, background, identity, and situation are accepted and valued. L’Oréal has been committed to integrating refugees in the workplace since 2017 with various programs conducted worldwide, including our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion teams, and Foundation L’Oréal through its Beauty for a Better Life Program and now here in Canada with TRIEC. We are glad to be part of such a movement with TRIEC, and we hope that other companies will join us.