2022 was filled with defining moments for both companies and employees. The balance of power continued to shift post-pandemic, the generational makeup of the workforce continued to evolve, and HR teams worldwide adapted to meet the challenges.
Creating, maintaining and nurturing a diverse and engaged workforce is at the top of the list for the HR team at Avison Young. With numerous initiatives in place – Joan Skelton, Global Director of Diversity and Inclusion leads on major DEI initiatives, enhancing and measuring employee engagement, as well as supporting the firm’s Employee Resource Groups.
A proud signatory of the CREW Network CRE Pledge for Action, Avison Young is an active supporter of the advancement of women and other individuals in underrepresented groups including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, among others.
Female representation on Avison Young’s Board of Directors
Female representation on Avison Young’s Executive Committee
In 2022, 72% of Avison Young’s Managing Director hires in North America were women
“We focus on education development, culture and standards for sustainable, long-term mindset and behavioural change within our company and industry - taking intentional actions to demonstrate our commitment to DEI,” says Joan.
The firm has also made deliberate efforts to increase the representation of both women and people of colour in senior appointments. At a board level, the firm has 25% female representation on the Board, and 31% on the Executive Committee.
“A diverse candidate pool is integral to moving the needle on our workforce diversity. Our talent teams support our hiring managers to make sure we’re considering a diverse group of candidates, and presenting interview panels comprised of underrepresented individuals as part of a competitive selection process for all new hires,” says Joan.
“We have also implemented applicant tracking to establish baselines and support tracking going forward,” she adds.
In 2022, 72% of Avison Young’s Managing Director hires in North America were women. Alongside this, the number of women Principals has also increased incrementally year over year.
Pay equity goes hand in hand with Avison Young’s DEI strategy. As part of this, Avison Young has worked to standardize pay structures and regularly reviews compensation arrangements. The firm also engaged an external consulting firm specializing in pay equity analysis to review and monitor pay practices going forward.
“Our focus on DEI is unwavering because we know that creating diverse teams and inclusive environments where people are treated equitably and are free to be themselves is how we will continue to attract and retain the best talent, and deliver the best services to our clients,” Joan ends.
“We focus on education development, culture and standards for sustainable, long-term mindset and behavioural change within our company and industry - taking intentional actions to demonstrate our commitment to DEI.”Joan Skelton, Global Director, Diversity and Inclusion
