April 2025
This time last year, an EV manufacturer in Kitchener was ramping up hiring for a new production line. Today, with input costs rising, trade tensions in flux, and demand becoming less predictable, their focus has shifted from growth to adaptability.
They’re not alone.
Across Kitchener-Waterloo, many businesses are navigating a new reality. Some are cautiously expanding, while others are doing more with less. But no matter where they are, they’re asking the same question: How do we build teams that can weather uncertainty and succeed in the long term?
Ontario’s job market is tightening. In March 2025 alone, the province lost 27,500 jobs, and unemployment rose to 7.5% (Statistics Canada, April 2025). While job seekers are feeling the pressure, many employers are too. Staffing remains a challenge, especially in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades, which are core to Kitchener-Waterloo’s economy.
At the same time, retaining skilled team members is more critical than ever. Replacing an employee can cost up to 33% of their annual salary, according to the Work Institute’s 2023 Retention Report. High turnover drains time, productivity, and morale which is something businesses do not have the capacity to manage right now.
So, what can employers do to become more resilient?
Research from Accenture shows that companies prioritizing disability inclusion grow sales 2.9x faster and profits 4.1x faster than their competitors (Accenture, 2020). These companies tend to outperform because they build stronger, more adaptable teams.
Disability inclusive businesses are more likely to:
In short: disability inclusion is good for business.
So, whether you’re expanding or stabilizing, these three strategies can help strengthen your business:
Retention starts with belonging. When team members feel supported, seen, and safe to be themselves, they are more likely to stay. Inclusive practices such as flexible onboarding and open communication can reduce turnover and increase engagement.
If you’re hiring, focus on creating accessible job postings that focus on skills and adaptability. This opens the door to talent who may have been overlooked through traditional hiring channels.
Most teams want to be disability inclusive but don’t always know where to start. That’s where practical training and support come in. Disability awareness and confidence training helps hiring managers, supervisors, and coworkers feel more equipped to support diverse teams, leading to better retention outcomes.
The Ontario Corporate Training Centre (OCTC) is a province-wide project designed to support businesses across Ontario through research informed training, resources, and services.
Supported by the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) and funded by the Government of Canada, this project provides training and services at no cost for businesses within the manufacturing, skilled trades, healthcare and hospitality sectors. To learn more about Ontario Corporate Training Centre (OCTC) please visit www.ontariotrainingcentre.com.
Workforce retention doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through every decision of who you hire, how you support your team, and the values you bring into your workplace.
As economic pressures continue, disability inclusive hiring and retention practices are a strategic investment in your business’s future.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
If you would like to start or continue your inclusion journey, e-mail us at info@ontariotrainingcentre.com.
