With workforces around the world experiencing labour shortages as part of the post-pandemic ‘Great Resignation’, there is an urgent need for employers to focus on building workplaces that will retain staff and satisfy employees’ desire for more fulfilling, flexible work lives.
And new research from Diversity Council Australia shows that inclusion may be exactly what employers need to future-proof their businesses as we move collectively into new ways of working.
The Inclusion@Work Index 2021-2022 maps the state of inclusion in Australian organisations and provides the Australian business case for inclusion.
More importantly, the Index highlights how workplace inclusion significantly increases performance and wellbeing, satisfaction and innovation – all factors that, when lacking, impact culture and will only contribute to the great resignation.
DCA’s Inclusion@Work Index showed the incredible impact that inclusion can have on people and culture, showing that workers in inclusive teams are:
- 4 times less likely to leave their job in the next 12 months
- 10 times more likely to be very satisfied
- 4 times less likely to feel work has a negative or very negative impact on their mental health.
- 5 times less likely to experience discrimination and/or harassment
- 11 times more likely to be highly effective than those in inclusive teams
- 10 times more likely to be innovative
- 6 times more likely to provide excellent customer service
- 4 times more likely to work extra hard
Speaking about the research, DCA CEO, Lisa Annese said,
“DCA is pleased to present this third Inclusion@Work Index report, which sets out the Australian business case for D&I at a critical time.
“As well as showing inclusion really matters to employees, this report also has key insights for businesses looking to make themselves more resilient to changes in the labour market as a result of COVID-19.
“Much of Australia has experienced serious disruption to our way of life and work in the past two years. For many businesses it has involved changing the way they work; and for many employees it has changed what they are looking for from work.
“What we are seeing internationally is that as countries are emerging from sustained pandemic restrictions, employees are expressing a desire to look for a new place to work.
“This research demonstrates a link between non-inclusive behaviours and workers’ intentions to stay. So, if you are investing in D&I, you’re investing in the wellbeing of your people, and making your business more resilient.
“This research also shows that Australian managers need to do better at inclusion. Less than a third of Australian workers have an inclusive manager. We need to be doing more to engage those managers, and their employees, who aren’t aware of the benefits of inclusion at work.
“This report is a great starting point for that conversation – before it turns to mass resignations.”
Announcing Inclusive Employers 2021-2022
In addition to the Inclusion@Work Index 2021-2022 report being launched today, DCA is also proud to announce that a number of DCA members have been recognised as Inclusive Employers 2021-2022.
Every two years, Australian organisations are able to participate in DCA’s Inclusion@Work Member Index, which enables them to measure diversity and inclusion in their workforce and compare findings to a National Index Benchmark (derived from a nationally representative survey of 3000 Australian workers).
Those that exceeded the National Index Benchmark on at least five out of six measures were eligible to be named Inclusive Employers.
DCA CEO, Lisa Annese said:
“Many DCA members are already working hard to create diverse and inclusive workplaces and we are delighted that a select number are eligible to be named as an Inclusive Employer 2021-2022.
“Congratulations to the Inclusive Employers 2021-2022! This achievement recognises that you are active and committed to inclusion, and that you have exceeded the Australian workforce average in DCA’s Inclusion@Work Index.”
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Media Contact: Diane Falzon, 0430 596 699 | Cathy Brown, 0424 578 698.
About DCA: Diversity Council Australia is the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We provide unique research, inspiring events and programs, curated resources and expert advice across all diversity dimensions to a community of over 950 member organisations. Our member organisations are estimated to employ nearly two million Australians, representing up to 20% of the workforce.
About DCA’s Inclusive Employers 2021-2022:
Every two years, Australian organisations are able to participate in DCA’s Inclusion@Work Member Index, which enables them to measure diversity and inclusion in their workforce and compare findings to a DCA-Member Leading Practice Benchmark and a National Index Benchmark (derived from a nationally representative survey of 3000 Australian workers).
Inclusive Employers have to exceed the National Index Benchmark on at least five out of six of the following measures: Awareness; Engagement; Inclusive Organisational Climate; Inclusive Leadership; Inclusive Team; and/or Exclusion.
Congratulations to the following organisations that can be named Inclusive Employers for 2021-2022
Altus Group
American Express
Amnesty International Australia
Art Gallery of NSW
Aurecon
Australia Council for the Arts
Australian Museum Trust
Australia Pacific Airports Corporation
BDO
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
BlueScope Steel
Bridge Housing Limited
CAFS/Child and Family Services Ballarat Inc
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
Cricket NSW
Great Southern Bank
Diageo Australia
Department of Water and Environment Regulation (WA)
Future Super Services Pty Ltd
Fair Work Ombudsman and Registered Organisations Commission
Gilbert + Tobin
Grant Thornton Australia Limited
Greenwoods & Herbert Smith Freehills
Hunter Water Corporation
International Women’s Development Agency
John Deere Limited
L.E.K. Consulting Australia
MAX Solutions
MetLife Insurance Limited
Moët Hennessy Australia & New Zealand
Network 10
Nous Group
Novartis
Perth Airport Pty Ltd
Plenary Group
Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick
RAC WA
RAM Group – Brighten Home Loans
Relationships Australia NSW
Senversa
Services Australia
Settlement Services International
Smartgroup
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
State Archives and Records Authority of NSW / Sydney Living Museums
Teachers Health