Over the past 12 months, HIF has made significant strides in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Today, we are delighted to announce we have been recognised for our efforts by being awarded coveted Inclusive Employer status for 2023 by the Diversity Council Australia.
The Inclusive Employer award is the only one of its kind in Australia that recognises inclusion across a range of diversity areas.
HIF Chief Culture Leader Jessica Blackwell said: “We are delighted to achieve Inclusive Employer status in our first year of participating in the DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index.
“At HIF, we are passionate about fostering inclusivity and diversity because it benefits both our members and employees.”
A record 82 organisations across Australia were recognised by the Diversity Council Australia for their commitment to diversity and inclusion, representing a broad range of employers from art galleries and sporting bodies to pharmaceutical and agricultural machinery manufacturers.
Produced in partnership with Cultural Infusion, the Inclusive Employer Index enables organisations to comprehensively assess and monitor the state of diversity and inclusion in their workforce.
To make the list, participants must prove their commitment to diversity and inclusion by having employees complete an in-depth survey to map the state of inclusion in their workplace – and produce results that exceed national benchmarks on a series of key measures.
Over the past 12 months, here at HIF we have set up a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion working group to lead the design and delivery of our D&I Working Plan and implemented several initiatives, including:
- Menstrual and menopause support: HIF employees are entitled to an additional two paid leave days per year if they are experiencing menstruation or menopause symptoms.
- Fertility support: In recognition of the challenges some employees may face when balancing fertility treatment with work, we have established health and fertility partnerships to provide fertility support resources for employees.
- Diverse hiring and development: We actively seek diverse talent to join the team and invest in professional growth through training, development and coaching.
- Education, awareness and listening: We provide resources and training to educate employees on the value of diversity and how HIF can collectively contribute to a more inclusive workplace. We actively seek feedback from employees to understand their experiences and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Changes to leave policy: We have made some changes to our leave policy to ensure inclusivity and respect for everyone’s preferences. Recognising Australia Day has different meanings for different people, starting in 2024, it will now be considered optional leave. This means HIF employees can choose whether they want to take the day off or work as usual and substitute with a different day off that feels more inclusive.
“We pride ourselves on taking a progressive approach and celebrating our uniqueness and see this status as a stepping stone for us to further enhance our D&I initiatives,” Ms Blackwell added.
“We greatly value our partnership with the Diversity Council Australia and look forward to continuing to work with them.”
To find out more about the Diversity Council Australia 2023-2024 Inclusive Employers visit DCA announces 2023-2024 Inclusive Employers - Diversity Council Australi