Monash recognised for fostering inclusive workforce
Monash University has been recognised for fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce with Silver level employer status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI).
The AWEI is the national benchmark for LGBTIQ inclusion in the workplace. In 2018, 135 employers participated in the index with only 32 achieving a silver status or higher. Monash University was among five universities reaching this level or higher in 2018.
Building on the University’s Bronze level recognition in 2017, the award acknowledges a sustained commitment at Monash to improve policies, practices and strategies that foster a more inclusive workforce for LGBTIQ staff.
Monash President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, said the result was a welcome recognition of the University’s sustained endeavour to promote support for LGBTIQ staff.
“Fostering a culture of respect that welcomes diversity, including diversity of gender, sex and sexuality, enriches and strengthens our University,” Professor Gardner said.
“This citation is a wonderful opportunity for the Monash community to celebrate its success in advancing the culture of excellence and inclusion to which we all aspire.”
Over the past year, the University has established a Centre of Expertise in Monash HR, followed by a review of policies for inclusive language, tailored training sessions and the development of a Gender Affirmation/Transition Procedure to support transitioning/affirming staff and their supervisors. This expands on the broad range of initiatives undertaken by the Ally Network over many years in student and staff engagement, education and community building.
In 2018, Monash University participated in the AWEI workplace survey for the first time to help understand the perspectives and experiences of Monash staff on LGBTIQ inclusion.
“Findings from this survey will help us understand the perceptions of our workforce on LGBTIQ inclusion, as well as lived experiences of our LGBTIQ staff,” said Monash University Chief Human Resources Officer Bridgid Connors.
“These insights will help identify next areas of focus and shape the future direction of our critical work in further promoting staff equity and diversity.”
The findings from the survey are soon to be released.
For more information about how Monash supports LGBTIQ staff visit the University’s website.