A skilled workforce is the backbone of any company, and Chan knows compensation can attract and retain good workers. That’s why her team enacted plans to raise Charter’s starting pay to $20 per hour by 2022. They also recently launched Spark, an online recognition program for employees. However, due to the pandemic, Chan has spent much of the past year seeking technology solutions to keep Charter’s workforce healthy, including a COVID-19 tracker, daily health checks for employees who may have been exposed and a tool to manage employee vaccination information. As an HR pro, Chan advocates active listening. “To build trust and foster open, honest communication, it is more important to listen to what the other person is saying and avoid thinking of your response, quickly forming assumptions, or listening with a specific outcome in mind. Have a genuine interest in the person and seek to understand and empathize what others have to share.”
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
Listen intently and reflectively. I think an often neglected or undervalued side to communication is listening. We tend to focus too much on getting our messages across. But to build trust and foster open, honest communication, it is more important to listen to what the other person is saying and avoid thinking of your response, quickly forming assumptions, or listening with a specific outcome in mind. Have a genuine interest in the person and seek to understand and empathize what others have to share.
Which celebrity do you think is setting a strong example for the next generation?
Emma Watson. Aside from being an accomplished actress, she has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. I have a lot of respect for her versatility and passion for humanitarian work.
Favorite current show that you feel embraces D&I?
“Kim’s Convenience.” Despite its controversial end, I still think this show is refreshing with its predominantly Asian cast and eclectic mix of side characters in the multicultural Toronto corner store setting. It’s funny, authentic, warm hearted and exudes a gentle sense of community. While I am sensitive to the issues that were voiced recently, I am still a fan of this show and view it as an opportunity for us to elevate our dialogue to promote the need for representation both on and off screen, as well as to move beyond representation to inclusivity.
