DCA active for diversity and its members in 2009
In what has been a challenging year for the economy and for employers and employees alike, Diversity Council Australia has continued to promote the benefits of a diverse workforce. DCA CEO Nareen Young says employers who have maintained their focus on diversity will be in a better position to compete as the global economy recovers.
"Diversity plays a key role in retaining and attracting talented employees in any economic environment. Organisations that have maintained a commitment to diversity throughout the GFC will find their hard work pays off as the economic recovery accelerates and the labour market tightens again," says Nareen.
"In 2009, DCA has been at the forefront of thought and practice in diversity for its members. Next year, greater examination and debate on diversity is likely, especially in regard to legislative reform on gender equality. We look forward to providing members with the latest on diversity as well as offering new ways to engage in developing best practice," says Nareen.
Ross Wheatley, General Manager Remuneration and Corporate Human Resources for Boral, recommends organisations become members of DCA.
"Boral's membership helps the management team remain focused on providing a workplace that promotes diversity throughout our organisation. Having an external source of expertise on diversity adds to our internal capabilities and keeps us on track with best practice."
Highlights of DCA's work and new member services in 2009 include:
Innovative research
- Despite bleak predictions, DCA's Diversity in an Economic Downturn survey, sponsored by McDonald's Australia, revealed the diversity agenda of Australia's leading organisations has weathered the impacts of the GFC storm better than expected, as DCA members remained committed to diversity programs.
- DCA released a joint report with NAB that investigated employment from the perspective of Indigenous employees in the corporate sector. Titled Engaging Aboriginal Australians in the Private Sector, the report highlighted what companies should do to better attract, engage, retain and promote Indigenous employees - asking Aboriginal people their views about the workplace and what might need to change is an historic step.
- DCA piloted its flagship research project, Working for the Future: A National Survey of Employees. The research will be released in 2010 and will provide new and much-needed information on employee diversity, engagement and well-being, productivity and work-life balance in Australia. DCA is proud to partner with members AMP, Credit Suisse, IBM Australia, McDonald's Australia, Stockland and Tabcorp and the US Families and Work Institute on this landmark initiative.
- DCA introduced a special quarterly bulletin for members reporting the latest on industry and academic diversity research undertaken both in Australia and overseas. Click here to see a copy of an earlier edition.
Diversity Leadership Briefings
- DCA held more than a dozen thought-provoking and useful briefings on a variety of diversity topics, almost all of which were free for members. Click here to see the briefings held, kindly hosted by DCA members. A full calendar of diversity briefings for 2010 is being planned.
- DCA also introduced a new webcast service for its briefings to cater for those members who aren't located in capital cities or who can't always get to venues. This means members can get as much value for their membership as possible.
Member consultation
- After extensive consultation with members, DCA made a submission to the review of the effectiveness of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act and Agency. Click here to see this and other submissions DCA has made.
Flexibility First
- DCA developed a new program called Flexibility First to help employers prepare for the Fair Work Act and National Employment Standards and reap the business benefits of flexibility.
Thanks go to our members, partners and clients for their wonderful support during the year. We wish you happy and safe festive season and year ahead! Call us on (02) 9035 2852 to see how we can help you with your diversity strategies and programs in 2010.