Looking back, 2023 was a massive year for DCA. Here, we reflect on the year that was and share an exclusive look at what we’ve got planned for 2024.
Like so many of you, we worked hard throughout the year to support the Yes! Campaign. Despite the disappointing outcome of the Voice to Parliament Referendum, we are proud of all the effort our staff and members put in to stand in solidarity with First Nations Australians and were deeply touched by the overwhelming response to our inspirational Oration with Professor Tom Calma, AO. We continue the conversation to advocate for tangible outcomes, reflect on learnings, and reinforce our commitment to positive change.
This year was another landmark year of groundbreaking research and resources for DCA, with highlights including:
- our new Racism at Work training, which sparked important discussions and had a national impact on language around racism and leading practice terminology
- a new report on culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) women in leadership alongside the launch of RISE – Realise. Inspire. Support. Energise – a visionary new project that aims to build pathways to leadership for CARM women
- in response to national talent shortages, we promoted inclusive recruitment processes by developing Inclusive Recruitment Tools and guidelines on how to use AI recruitment tools to help rather than harm diversity
- as workplaces called employees back to the office, we drew on research from our upcoming Inclusion@Work Index to show the benefits of flex work and demonstrate how tackling the “flex work gap” is key to eliminating the gender pay gap.
To wrap up the year, DCA celebrated Australian organisations doing great things to foster more diverse and inclusive workplaces with a record 83 organisations earning a spot on our Inclusive Employer’s list. On top of this, 526 organisations participated in DCA’s Inclusion at Work Week.
We can’t wait to continue this important work in 2024, and already have some fantastic research launches and events to keep on your radar for the year ahead.
Here’s a sneak peek.
Events to look out for in 2024
Next year will see another excellent events lineup for DCA, bringing together thought leaders and a diverse range of perspectives to tackle key issues in the D&I space, including:
- staying the course for meaningful reconciliation
- centring voice when creating workplace D&I change
- increasing pathways and opportunities for people with disability in the workforce
- RISE: project update and phase 2 intake
- 10-year plan to drive women’s economic equality
Later in the year, we’ll look at what it means to be an effective ally, how Australia can accelerate the uptake of men sharing parental leave and the necessity of building mentally healthy workplaces.
2024 will also see the return of DCA’s Diversity debate, tackling a key issue emerging in the D&I space.
Research and resources launching in 2024
Next year will see even more groundbreaking research and resources released by DCA, including:
- 2023-2024 Inclusion@Work Index: kicking off our 2024 events line up, the fourth iteration of this report will explore the state of inclusion in the Australian workplace in a post-pandemic context
- How to Centre Marginalised Voices: This new resource will examine how to centre voice in organisational change
- Disability Inclusion at Work: Produced in partnership with the Australian Network on Disability (AND)
- D&I 101: Getting Started on D&I: This practical guide is designed to help organisations begin their D&I journey with tips on how DCA membership can support their progress
- In 2024 we’ll start work on an exciting new project focused on social class, with preliminary research already revealing the important role it plays in our social identity and its significant contribution to both exclusion and inclusion.
We can’t wait to work with you all in the new year and continue the important work of fostering inclusive and diverse workplaces where everyone can feel safe and valued.