Elizabeth Eley:
My inspiration
Since moving to Montreal, I’ve taken the green line to work or school. The phrase “it is an honor to go to work” helps me remember my route and reflects my belief in the dignity of meaningful work. Knowing not everyone has access to fair jobs, passing this sign on my way to Concordia reminds me to advocate for equitable employment, especially for those in need. Credit: Elizabeth Eley.
How does disclosing potentially stigmatizing information in the workplace affect the quality of workplace relationships, career support and leadership potential evaluations?
During my time in HR and recruiting, I observed significant gender and racial segregation across various occupations, which led me to question the structural barriers that kept certain individuals from the opportunity to even interview. Additionally, I realized that the interview process, often considered the gold standard for candidate evaluation, frequently reinforced stereotypes and biases rather than identifying the most qualified candidates. Specifically, when candidates disclosed information about their families, health status or caregiving responsibilities, I found myself making internal judgments about their suitability for certain roles. These observations and the lack of answers on how to make hiring more equitable prompted me to pursue a PhD.