Fostering Inclusivity: A 2SLGBTQ+ Pride Month Conversation

In the ever-evolving business and corporate responsibility landscape, WCD stands as a beacon of progress and inclusion.

Robert Steed, Vice President of Partnerships and Customer Engagement, reflects on his 24-year journey with WCD, highlighting the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Roots and evolution

WCD reaches back to 1952 when it began as a microfilming company. Over the decades, the company has become a leader in on-demand print, signage and information solutions. WCD provides creative, personalized and integrated office services, assisting in transforming businesses, empowering teams and sharing stories. With leading-edge technology, an expansive network of resources and an entrepreneurial spirit, WCD ensures consistent, high-quality results in every market it serves.

“Over the past several years, we have expanded our services from traditional print and scanning services to enhanced, digital printing, signage and information management and have also become a Canadian leader in photobook and wall décor printing, highlighting its agility and responsiveness based on our customers’ needs,” says Robert.

The entrepreneurial spirit at WCD is a driving force behind its success. The company encourages its employees to think creatively and take initiative, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. This spirit is reflected in the wide range of services WCD offers, from traditional print solutions, to managed office services or digital transformations, ensuring that they can meet the diverse needs of their clients.

People-centric approach

A pivotal aspect that sets WCD apart from its competitors is its people.

“Our employees care about what we do, and it is shown in the work we produce and how we communicate with our customers,” says Robert. This genuine dedication extends beyond work performance to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued and included. WCD’s diverse workforce, which significantly represents marginalized groups, underscores its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.

One of the significant milestones for WCD was the development of its first-ever Pride logo and the introduction of Pride t-shirts for employees.

“Last year was an amazing year for us; we developed our first-ever Pride logo,” says Robert. “Our executive team and employees had our first ever Pride T-shirts, and we sponsored Pride Day at The Calgary Stampede. These actions may seem small but in conservative Alberta, they are a huge step forward.” These actions symbolize WCD’s public commitment to supporting and celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community, even in environments where these initiatives might face resistance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives

Robert believes that there has been a change in direction regarding DEI initiatives in recent years.

“Over the past five years, there has been a slow shift in what we sponsor and the types of things we want to get involved in,” he says. With half of the executive team composed of women, WCD advocates for a broader definition of inclusion, extending beyond educational initiatives to actively support marginalized communities.

Robert notes that WCD is advocating for a change in what the company stands for and has created internal structures to support their ongoing efforts.

“Our DEI council is small but mighty,” he says. The team at WCD has representation from the leadership team, individuals from HR and employees throughout the company. However, the goal is to grow their DEI council and to open it up to their broader workforce across all their locations. “We are trying to figure out how to expand in the best way possible because representation is important to us.”

In the Calgary business community, Robert observes both progress and areas for improvement concerning Pride initiatives.

“The Calgary community is making huge strides in supporting and actively working on their DEI programs,” he says. “Most companies take part when Pride Month comes along. What is not happening is a continual conversation.”

Robert suggests that the challenge lies in maintaining year-round engagement. He calls for greater consistency in corporate support for 2SLGBTQ+ causes, challenging companies to move beyond token gestures and embracing inclusivity year-round.

Robert reflects on his individual experiences as a gay man in the workforce, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from colleagues and clients alike.

"I've never had a bad moment being gay in this company. Many of our employees and customers know my husband and supported us while we went through our adoption process" he says, highlighting WCD's inclusive culture and acceptance of diverse identities.

WCD’s efforts extend beyond the 2SLGBTQ+ community, encompassing support for Indigenous organizations and women’s causes. Through meaningful partnerships, WCD promotes Indigenous artists and initiatives, demonstrating its broader commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment.

“Building more of these types of intentional partnerships is important to us and where we will spend more of our time”

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For more information about WCD, visit their website at wcdconnect.com.