Building inclusive workplaces in Alberta’s food and beverage sector
A growing challenge in Albert’s food and beverage sector
The heart of every successful restaurant, café, and bar is not just the food or drinks it serves, but the people who bring those experiences to life. Whether it’s the cook in the kitchen, the server taking orders, or the barista crafting the perfect coffee, a strong team is what keeps customers coming back.
Yet across Alberta, food and beverage businesses are struggling to find and keep employees. In late 2023, the food and beverage sector had a job vacancy rate of 8.3%. That means many restaurants and cafés are short-staffed, leaving owners and managers scrambling to fill shifts. The struggle to recruit new workers and keep skilled employees is a challenge in the sector.
At the same time, there’s a group of motivated young people eager to work—newcomer young adults, ages 18 to 29, who have immigrated to Canada within the past five years. Despite their skills and willingness, many face barriers to employment. In 2020, their unemployment rate was nearly twice the national average. The food and beverage sector is often a career starting point for newcomers in Canada. Still, without the right support, many find it challenging to secure a position or stay in one for long.
This is where Building Inclusive Workplaces comes in. Created by PolicyWise for Children & Families and our community partners, this initiative provides tools to help food and beverage leaders, such as restaurant and café owners, managers, and chefs, build workplaces that welcome and support newcomer young adults. These resources can help businesses address staffing shortages while fostering a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated to stay.
Resources for a stronger team
Building Inclusive Workplaces offers free, practical resources designed specifically for Alberta’s food and beverage sector.
Here’s what’s available:
- Quick online courses: These 25-minute learning modules on equity, diversity, and inclusion are designed to fit into a busy restaurant or café schedule. With easy-to-follow content, they help managers and business owners create a fair and welcoming work culture.
- Toolkits for employers: These guides cover recruitment, flexible shift scheduling, and workplace culture. They help employers create an environment where all employees feel respected and valued.
- Short learning videos: These quick videos offer insights into cultural differences, effective communication, and team building. These bite-sized lessons can be used in staff meetings or training sessions, showing real-world examples and solutions to everyday workplace challenges.
- A research-backed webinar: This webinar explores strategies for hiring and supporting newcomer young adults. It features expert insights and real-world success stories, and provides actionable steps for employers.
These resources are designed to fit easily into a busy restaurant or café schedule—short, simple, and practical. Business owners and managers don’t need to invest hours into training. Instead, they can gain valuable knowledge in just a few minutes.
Why inclusion matters
Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move. When employees feel welcome and respected, they stay longer, work harder, and contribute to a positive team environment. In an industry known for high turnover, even small improvements in employee satisfaction can lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiency.
Here’s why inclusivity matters:
- Lower turnover: Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to remain with an employer, reducing hiring and training costs.
- Stronger teamwork: Inclusive workplaces foster cooperation, leading to improved communication and collaboration among employees. A diverse team brings fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving to the table.
- Stronger customer relationships: A diverse team can better connect with a wide range of customers. In a province as multicultural as Alberta, having employees who reflect the diversity of the community can enhance the overall experience.
- A competitive edge: Businesses known for being great places to work will attract more job applicants. By building an inclusive workplace, restaurants and cafés can set themselves apart in a tight labour market.
A more sustainable future for the food and beverage sector
The success of Alberta’s food and beverage industry depends on the strength of its workforce. By investing in inclusive hiring practices and workplace culture, businesses can address staffing shortages and create a more sustainable and successful future.
The next step is simple—explore these free tools today and start building a workplace that works for everyone. Your business, your employees, and your customers will all be better for it.
Now is the time to invest in the future of Alberta’s food and beverage industry—one inclusive workplace at a time.
Project funders
The Government of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.
Project sponsor
PolicyWise for Children & Families is proud to collaborate on this project with Action for Healthy Communities, the Alberta Association of Immigrant-Serving Organizations, the Alberta Hospitality & Lodging Association, the Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association, Cultural Advantage, and the Edmonton Newcomer Centre.
