2 Crows Brewing, a brewery in downtown Halifax, is shifting some of the craft brewing industry’s lack of diversity. The industry is dominated by white, cisgender, able-bodied males. The 2 Crows mission statement states that they are “dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming beer experience that is accessible and comfortable to all of their patrons.” Sea Change interviewed 2 Crows to find out how they create safety and belonging.
From their promotion and recruitment, language in job postings, to their partnership with a local disability organization, and diversity training, 2 Crows is proactively working to create a more inclusive workplace culture for everyone.
Training with Ren Navarro
2 Crows identified staff training as a first step in building awareness around inclusion. They worked with Ren Navarro, a craft beer consultant and diversity educator. Ren delivered training to all 2 Crows staff focused on creating a more diverse work culture through hiring, inclusive language, and partnerships. Read more about Ren’s work in the article: Diversity in beer: is the Canadian craft industry doing enough to change?
Promoting on Public Job Boards
In recruiting new employees, 2 Crows switched from a social media platform of hiring to more public job boards. Social media platforms can be inaccessible to lots of different people for many reasons. Choosing to post on public jobs boards helps broaden the reach and can bring in different applications from people who may not have had access to the posting otherwise.
Inclusive Language
Language and job postings can be exclusionary. People with disabilities might question if they can do the job, if accommodations will be provided. This discourages people from applying. Using inclusive language for disabilities is a means to discuss or speak to any person with disabilities in a way that respects their personhood. This includes respecting the choice and autonomy of the person – it’s up to them how they want to identify or be addressed.
Partnership with Prescott Group
2 Crows connected to Prescott Group, an organization that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find friendship, community, and success in Halifax. They now have three employees hired through Prescott who work on the beer production line. Existing staff are available to help these newer employees transition into the work. This partnership not only supports individuals with disabilities, but it has had a positive impact on 2 Crows’ workplace culture.
Eric Daponte, 2 Crows Operations Manager says, “They [the Prescott employees] bring a good vibe into the brewery, lots of playlists on repeat. We are always playing Hamilton [the musical], I think we know every word to that now.” Andrew, one of the employees hired from Prescott enthusiastically shared, “My favourite place in the brewery is on the canning line, because I love putting the cans in the boxes!”
A few small changes in how 2 Crows reached out to community and partnered with a disability organization has made a huge impact not only on the individuals hired, but on all employees and a more inclusive and safe workplace.