Tag: diversity

EVERYONE BELONGS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Everyone belongs! Harmony Day is a day for people across the country to acknowledge and celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.

Held each year on 21 March, it’s an important reminder of the need to promote a sense of inclusiveness, respect and belonging in our:

  • Schools
  • Workplaces, and
  • Broader community
HARMONY DAY AND THE WORKPLACE

Research indicates that businesses perform well when:

  • Employees feel included, and
  • Their workplace is strongly committed to supporting diversity

And with around 45 per cent of Australians born overseas or with at least one parent who was, Harmony Week has always been a popular way for workplaces to showcase and acknowledge their cultural diversity.*

5 WAYS TO CREATE A MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

When you offer a more inclusive workplace you gain access to different types of people which means:

  • A team of individuals each with a unique perspective
  • More creative ideas and innovation for your business

In addition, companies committing to diversity are also more likely to attract top talent. Here are five ways to help you build a more inclusive workplace culture.

  1. Have an inclusion strategy

Firstly, create a diversity and inclusion strategy with specific action points for upper management. It’s important to:

  • Identify the steps each person can take to improve the culture of your business
  • Make your strategy available to all staff at all levels

Having an official strategy in place helps to solidify your dedication to an inclusive workplace. It also helps show all minority staff members that there is real commitment.

  1. Educate staff on inclusion

Discrimination against minority groups is obviously unacceptable, but there are many people who still have little understanding of what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour. Training your staff is great, but you also need to:

  • Stamp out inappropriate behaviour – such as offensive jokes – to show that you take inclusion seriously
  1. Lead by example

Managers are the most important factor for workplace inclusion. By behaving professionally and standing up against discriminatory actions they:

  • Help pave the way for employees to do the same, as well as
  • Create a safe space for those with concerns to bring them up when issues arise
  1. Look at your language

Review your workplace manuals, contracts and on-boarding documentation to ensure that you are using inclusive language. Always use both male and female pronouns, even if your business is in a predominately male-dominated industry, and:

  • Remove heteronormative language – like husband and wife – changing it instead to spouse, or partner
  1. Respond effectively

No matter how inclusive your workplace becomes, it’s likely you’ll run into issues at some point. So when issues arise make sure you:

  • Deal with them swiftly
  • Always demonstrate zero tolerance for discrimination,
  • Escalate incidents to upper management if the behaviour persists

Finally, remember that even one person behaving inappropriately can have negative effects on the entire workplace.

Everyone belongs! At Labourpower we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to build a sustainable future with a diverse and inclusive workforce that supports and fulfils the expectations of our valued clients and employees.

To find out more, speak to the experienced team at Labourpower today.

#everyonebelongs

 

*Source: https://www.harmony.gov.au/get-involved/workplaces

 

 

 

STAYING CONNECTED IN A SOCIAL DISTANCING WORLD

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Social distancing is (for now at least) our new norm. It is key to helping slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s changed the way we work and the way we interact with each other. So in our social distancing world, let’s explore why it’s more important than ever to find ways to stay connected.


The importance of staying connected

Staying connected during a time of crisis helps us manage our mental well-being. Studies also show that maintaining social connections keeps us healthier, happier and more inclined to be socially responsible.


Social distancing without feeling isolated

Social distancing can lead to us feeling lonely. Finding ways to maintain social support can help improve our capacity to cope with stress.

SCHEDULE FACE-TO-FACE(TIME)
Use technology to host a virtual catch-up (choose from one of the many options available such as Facetime, Skype, Houseparty and Zoom). Schedule lunch or dinner at the same time or after-work drinks at the end of the week.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Now is the perfect time to take up a new hobby or interest. Learn a language, read a new book, take up baking, declutter your home, spruce up your resume or LinkedIn profile – the possibilities are endless!

SUPPORT OTHERS
Check in with your neighbours (while practising social distancing). Small acts of kindness such as offering to walk their dog or do some shopping can help lift spirits.


Social distancing and your business

With so many businesses operating with a remote workforce it’s important to find times to stay connected and ensure that everyone continues to feel part of the team.

TECHNOLOGY
Provide reliable access to technology such as emails, file servers and video conferencing to support collaboration.

REGULAR CHECK-INS
Make sure that Managers and Team Leaders check-in regularly with team members to help boost morale and keep everyone on track.

DON’T MAKE IT ALL ABOUT WORK
Find fun ways to keep everyone connected by continuing to celebrate milestones (birthdays, work anniversaries) and hold virtual after-work catch-ups.


Social distancing and your job

If you’re one of the many people supporting Australia’s essential services, make sure you follow all guidelines to ensure your health and safety.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Social distancing also applies in the workplace so try to keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between you and other workers.

GOOD HYGIENE
Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water (or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser).

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS
Make sure that you’re familiar with the COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath) and do not go to work if you are unwell.


And finally, remember…
It’s important for everyone to stay connected with family, friends and colleagues through this challenging time. FREE resources and mental well-being support to help you cope with any COVID-19 concerns are also available at thiswayup.org.au OR coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/


Stay connected with Labourpower by following us on Facebook or LinkedIn or get in touch with our friendly team today.

 

 

WHY DIVERSITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Harmony Day is Saturday, 21 March 2020 –  a time to celebrate our diversity.

With the current challenges our world is facing, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging.

When it comes to the workplace, study after study shows that diverse organisations outperform the competition.  Let’s take a closer look at the reasons to make diversity and inclusion a priority in your company.

Access to different talent pools

Organisations that are actively committed to diversity in their workplaces tend to look outside their usual talent pool for new hires. Looking further afield often:

  • Exposes recruiters to a wider range of people
  • Leads to a greater number of applicants seeing and applying for positions
  • Results in an overall bigger pool of talent for companies to choose from

The more people who apply for the job, the more likely you are to find someone exceptional in the mix. And with exceptional people – you’ll soon find yourself with a business that’s blowing the competition out of the water.

Representation inspires greatness

When a group of people who are underrepresented in the workforce suddenly find themselves working in a place where they see people like themselves succeeding – particularly in leadership roles – they are often inspired to seek out more career progression themselves.

Inspired employees are more loyal, dedicated and ambitious. It’s this drive that leads to increased motivation and an even more intense desire to succeed.

Diverse leadership improves innovation

What happens when there is an increase in the diversity of your leadership team? It can lead to a jump in the amount of innovation as well as the quality.

  • Studies show a 19% higher revenue for companies with more diverse management teams as a direct result of their innovation*.

This finding is great news for any organisation where innovation is key to future growth.

Different perspectives add value

This is one of the most important reasons why diverse organisations are thriving. It’s also the real reason why you need to make sure you have diversity at all levels in your business, not just the visible ones.

In business, it’s your point of difference that sets you apart from the competition. What better way to be different than to have a truly diverse group of people in decision-making positions for your brand?

Diversity injects different insights, viewpoints and ideas into the business. At the end of the day – that is where true innovation is born.

Here at Labourpower we thrive on a culture of a openness and inclusion. We work closely with companies to find the right fit for your business.

To find out more, speak to the experienced team at Labourpower today.

#everyonebelongs

 

*2018 study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG)