The Body Shop North America announced it is expanding its open hiring practices, a recruitment process that promotes a systemic, fair approach to attracting and onboarding employees. Common employment barriers, like background checks, drug screenings and previous experience, are eliminated in this new process.
This change follows two successful seasonal hiring pilot programs and will now be a permanent recruitment model for the company’s customer consultant and entry-level positions in retail stores and in distribution centers.
“The Body Shop is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our employees and that starts with the hiring process,” said Nicolas Debray, President of The Body Shop, the Americas. “We believe businesses are a force for good, and that means giving everyone the opportunity to work regardless of their background and previous experience. If you’re interested in working in our retail stores or in our Distribution Center, we can find a role for you with a competitive wage. It’s really that simple, and it works.”
Based on the pilot program’s feedback, the company says this shift toward a more inclusive hiring system will create a “more robust ecosystem of training, development, and support services for employees.”
The company’s Open Hiring program originally asked candidates three questions, on a first-come, first-serve basis, but will now also employ targeted recruitment of candidates with specific barriers to employment, including homelessness, incarceration and lack of education, by partnering with nonprofit organizations.
“We sought to connect with organizations that were focused on not only helping local people overcome barriers to employment, but also supporting them once they are hired,” said Debray. “Many of our community partners offer job readiness courses to help candidates prepare to successfully enter the workforce. Additionally, they will continue to offer the employee support once they are hired. This helps reduce barriers to the employee becoming successful in their new role.”
The Body Shop will now focus on aiding marginalized communities by partnering with organizations like Project Renewal, City Relief and Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, and will also roll out a comprehensive training program for management and entry-level employees to enhance soft skills and leadership development.
“One of the most glaring and overwhelming barriers that keep people who experience homelessness from improving their lives is access to a good paying job,” said Josiah Haken, Chief Program Officer of City Relief. “City Relief is so excited to partner with The Body Shop to connect people experiencing homelessness to employment opportunities that will allow them to pursue a brighter future for themselves and for their families.”
