Recruitment, professional integration, and retention of Indigenous employees within small and medium-sized enterprises

Canadian businesses face a labour shortage. Indigenous communities could be part of the solution, as they represent a young and growing population eager to engage in economic development. Yet, this workforce encounters persistent barriers, including discrimination and limited training. While research on Indigenous employment has so far focused on large firms, little is known about small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We surveyed 155 SME employers across Quebec (Canada), collecting qualitative and quantitative data on recruitment, integration, and retention strategies, as well as perceived challenges to Indigenous employment. Slightly more than half of the respondents employed, or had employed, Indigenous employees. Two-thirds reported being (very) satisfied with Indigenous employees, although less than with non-Indigenous employees. While three-quarters view the Indigenous workforce as a solution to the labour shortage, only about half use strategies specifically aimed at Indigenous employees. SMEs should make greater use of support programmes to foster culturally safer workplaces.