By Angela Kryhul
Jennifer Ménard-Shand, the founder and CEO of Staff Shop, is a proud First Nations Ojibwe and French-Canadian entrepreneur who leads thousands of temporary assignment employees across Canada, the US and the Caribbean. Over the years, she has grown her company into a full-service event planning and staffing firm, offering specialized expertise in all areas of hospitality. From security, registration and logistics to food and beverage services and administration, her team supports events of all sizes, including major gatherings like Toronto Blue Jays and Hamilton Tiger-Cats games, the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer, and many others.
In a recent conversation with Adrenalin editor Angela Kryhul, Ménard-Shand discussed the evolving landscape of hospitality and event staffing.
What influence did the pandemic have on how temporary assignment employees feel about their work?
The pandemic changed the landscape, the mindset and the work ethic. All of that time off and the reflection made people more clear about what they want. Obviously, the pay has to be there, but what matters most is work that has meaning and some sort of shared value. They want to work in safe environments and they want a clear picture as to where the work could lead them, whether to a full-time job or a new career.
How does Staff Shop work to create welcoming and inclusive environments?
As a certified Indigenous and women-owned, diverse supplier, making sure that we are an equal opportunity employer is very important to us. We’re certified with CCAB [Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business], CAMSC [the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council], WBE [Women’s Business Enterprises Canada] and WEConnect International. We believe in authenticity and ensuring that people feel secure and don’t feel like they have to hide who they are, because that creates a toxic environment.
During events, we’ve got relationship managers on the ground that are constantly checking-in with our employees. We know what’s happening from the time they start to the time they finish, which gives us the opportunity to jump in as needed.
As a keynote, what are some of the topics you’re asked to speak about?
I speak across Canada and my favourite topic is about moving Truth and Reconciliation forward in the workplace. There’s a lot that we can learn from history and how to not repeat it.
I also speak about moving equity, diversity and inclusion forward, the Canadian labour market, employee attraction and retention hacks, as well as inspiring entrepreneurs and other organizations with my entrepreneurial story. When I’m speaking to audiences, it’s from a place of hope and inspiration. staffshop.ca
Published September 2024
