1er Forum de l’Employabilité: A Step Towards Inclusive Recruitment

On November 29, 2024, the Canton of Geneva hosted the inaugural Forum de l’Employabilité, an event designed to address the pressing issue of labour shortages while promoting innovative and inclusive hiring practices. The forum brought together employers, associations, and public institutions to explore collaborative solutions for professional integration.

The event began with a welcome from Philippe Fleury, Director General of FER Geneva, followed by an opening address by Thierry Apothéloz, the State Councillor in charge of the Department of Social Cohesion. While statistics from the introduction underscored the urgency of tackling workforce challenges, the day's focus extended beyond numbers to actionable strategies.

Themes and Highlights

The programme featured keynotes and discussions highlighting the potential of non-traditional recruitment pathways. Employers were encouraged to "recruit differently" by considering diverse talent pools, including young people, individuals over 50 and 65, migrants, and those with disabilities. Each demographic was represented through specialized booths and presentations:

• Youth: Speakers highlighted the enthusiasm and adaptability of young workers, describing them as eager to learn, thrive in dynamic environments, and embrace change. They were noted for their comfort with technology, with Sarah Beolet from the foundation IPT humorously remarking, "ChatGPT is their BFF," emphasizing their readiness to leverage AI and innovation in the workplace. Employers were also encouraged to leverage financial incentives, such as government-supported internships and salary subsidies, to integrate young professionals. These measures reduce onboarding costs and provide businesses with access to a pipeline of dynamic talent eager to learn and contribute.
• 50+ and 65+: Experienced professionals were celebrated for their reliability and capacity for knowledge transfer. Frederique Beguin of Activis emphasized that seniors' professional networks and loyalty are invaluable. Yvan Methenitis of Fondation Qualife added, "Stability and reliability. Indeed, seniors are known to be reliable, to get to work, to be loyal, to have a certain professional ethics." These attributes and their ability to mentor younger colleagues make them critical assets in fostering intergenerational collaboration.
• Migrants and Refugees: Hugo Houbart, the coordinator of Refugees at Work, stressed the accessibility of integrating asylum seekers into the workforce. "All people from the asylum field can work, whatever the permit," he explained, dispelling myths about complex procedures. Houbart clarified that the process often involves just a simple online form or authorisation request, depending on the permit. He highlighted their motivation and competence by calling on businesses to recognize the strategic value of hiring refugees. "If you are looking for skills, talent, and diversity, recruit a refugee," he urged attendees.
• Health and Disability: Resilience and innovation were recurring themes in this sector. A compelling story was shared about Sacha, a visually impaired professional who succeeded in a new role through tailored support and training. One speaker noted, "The impact on the rest of your teams will be as positive because inclusion strengthens the cohesion of the teams. It gives meaning to work and reduces the rate of team absenteeism." Initiatives such as Trust to Achieve exemplify how organisations can bridge the gap between employment and physical disability, promoting a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

A Call to Action

Speakers emphasized the transformative power of inclusive recruitment. Hiring from diverse backgrounds is a social responsibility and a driver of innovation and resilience. Businesses were encouraged to initiate partnerships with institutions and take concrete steps to explore alternative hiring practices.

Thierry Apothéloz encapsulated the spirit of the forum: "Together, we can build an ecosystem where economic and social inclusion reinforce each other."

Looking Ahead

The Forum’s success underscores the importance of continued dialogue and action. As workforce dynamics evolve, events like these provide a blueprint for shaping a more inclusive and sustainable labour market.

For Geneva and beyond, the message is clear: employability is not just about filling vacancies but unlocking potential—a mission that holds promise for a thriving future.

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Image: Nesrin Everett