Social Objectives
Continuously seek opportunities for improvement in all areas of governance and establish measurable performance targets wherever possible.
Strive to establish Artis as a leader in governance best practices.
Be transparent in disclosure, providing regular comprehensive updates on performance, achievements and goals, and providing stakeholders with disclosure that is accurate and accessible.
Ensure ESG priorities are considered in strategic decision making and goal setting.
Employee Engagement
Artis is a productive and engaged neighbour, giving back and getting involved in the communities in which the REIT operates and where its employees live and work. From organizing recycling events, to hosting school supply drives and coordinating neighbourhood cleanup contests, giving back to the community is a high priority for Artis. Throughout the year, Artis promotes ongoing fundraising initiatives and provides its employees an opportunity to donate their time and/or their resources to these events. These efforts return immeasurable long-lasting benefits to the community, employees and stakeholders of Artis.
In 2022, Artis formed a philanthropy committee, known as “Helping Hands”. The committee, named by Artis's employees, comprises individuals across the company who hold philanthropic initiatives close to their hearts.
The goal of the committee is to lead the REIT’s philanthropic activities and have a positive, lasting impact on the communities in which Artis operates by being an engaged and active neighbour, raising funds and volunteering time to support the work of local charitable organizations.
One of the first initiatives of the committee was to change the REIT's volunteer policy. Under the revised policy, employees are entitled to unlimited volunteer time for Artis-initiated events and 7.5 hours per year of external volunteer leave per year to take part in community activities including, but not limited to, volunteer time at other charitable organizations, school, children’s activities or church. This change allows employees to participate in multiple volunteer initiatives throughout the year that align with their core values while also bringing greater support to the communities in which the REIT operates. Additionally, the committee offers employees an opportunity to vote on their charities of choice for the calendar year. All employee-raised funds will be donated to these charities at the end of the calendar year.
2023 volunteer events
In 2023, employees volunteered their time or resources to the following organizations:
Habitat for Humanity
Christmas Cheer Board
Koats for Kids
Harvest Manitoba
Raising the Roof
Dress for Success
Earth Day Clean Up
Siloam Mission
Holiday Hamper
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Artis believes that creating a culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to the REIT’s success; a belief that is recognized at the Board level. As outlined in the REIT's employee handbook, "Artis strives to provide a fair and equitable workplace whereby all employees are treated with respect regardless of their race, ethnic background, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, political affiliation, etc. Discrimination on the basis of any of the above characteristics is absolutely not tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. Artis is committed to a culture of inclusion by way of hiring, promoting, and developing employees with a diverse array of skills, backgrounds, and experiences."
Accordingly, Artis has adopted a Diversity Equity and Inclusion policy that applies to its employees and the REIT in general, and a Board Diversity and Renewal Policy that applies to its Board.
Policy
Artis's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy sets out the REIT's approach to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and applies to its Board of Trustees, employees and representatives of the REIT.
Artis is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Artis's employees are one of its most valuable assets. As such, the REIT aims to ensure that all employees and job applicants are given equal opportunity and that the organization is representative of all sections of society. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that Artis’s employees invest in their work represents a significant part of the REIT’s culture, its reputation and its achievements.
The REIT's diversity initiatives are applicable - but not limited - to its practices and policies on recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; social and recreational programs; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of diversity, equity and inclusion.
All employees of the REIT have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion while they are representing Artis either at work, at work functions on or off the work site, and at all other company-sponsored and participative events.
Employees who believe they have been subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with the REIT's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and initiatives are encouraged to promptly seek assistance from a supervisor or a human resources representative. Any employee found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to disciplinary action.
As part of the REIT's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in its workforce, Artis has committed to the following measurable objectives:
To maintain female representation amongst the senior leadership positions of the REIT (including those who hold the position of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Vice President) of at least 40%;
To maintain female representation amongst the entire workforce of at least 40%.
As part of Artis’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, the REIT commits to:
Creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all team members are recognized and valued;
Enforcing policies that do not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying, or harassment, and disciplining those that breach this policy;
Promoting equity in the workplace;
Encouraging employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Fostering a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for every employee;
Making training, development, and progression opportunities available to all staff;
Supporting anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination in raising their concerns so that corrective measures can be applied;
Reviewing, on a regular basis, all employment practices and procedures so that fairness is maintained at all times; and
At December 31, 2023, there were a total of 17 individuals holding Senior Management positions at Artis and its major subsidiaries, 9 of whom were women resulting in 53% female representation. At December 31, 2023, female representation amongst Artis’s entire workforce was 52%. A copy of Artis's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy can be accessed on the REIT's website at www.artisreit. com.
In 2023, Artis formed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging committee. The primary objective of the DEIB Committee is to proactively lead, advocate for, and support initiatives that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within Artis REIT. The committee is tasked with promoting a culture that respects and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all employees.