2. A Workforce Strategy: Develop a Nonprofit Sector Labour Force Strategy

Our recent research has shown significant concern among nonprofits over recruitment and retention of staff. There is a lack of labour market information in Alberta regarding the nonprofit sector workforce such as: comparable salaries in other sectors, wage gaps across gender and socioeconomic lines, number of qualified candidates, or need for more trained individuals in specific professions.  Lack of information makes it difficult for organizations and government to effectively plan and support nonprofit employees, based on composition and trends over time. A workforce study and strategy sets up the nonprofit sector to make recommendations on - and take advantage of - government programs aimed at building a strong Alberta labour market. Work Integrated learning, for example, can provide opportunities to train a workforce with the skills the nonprofit needs, through government-funded practicums and internships.

Reliable and consistent labour market information specific to the nonprofit sector in Alberta will enable nonprofits to achieve fair, stable, and productive workplaces by identifying emerging trends and challenges, measuring the progress of workforce initiatives, and comparing across industries and sectors. Publicly available data sets of the workforce in Alberta exist, generated by the Government of Alberta through the OpenData website.[vii] However, these are not specific to the nonprofit sector. Federal level data is more detailed regarding the nonprofit sector, providing information such as GDP generated by sector, jobs created, and demographics of employees in the sector. These data show that women, immigrant, and visible minority employees hold the highest number of jobs in the nonprofit sector,[viii] while men are paid more in average annual salaries and hourly wages.[ix] The data also help build an understanding of part-time versus full-time work. [x]  While helpful, this data lacks information about demands on the sector, capacity within the sector, and more detail (disaggregated data) about its people. Due to the diversity found within the nonprofit sector in Alberta, the experiences of women and individuals with intersecting factors is one that requires more attention.

Now more than ever, the nonprofit workforce needs support as organizations grapple with the added stress of the pandemic on their employees.[xi]  Addressing workforce and organizational needs in terms of workforce challenges remains an important priority if the sector is to continue to meet the growing needs of our communities.