STRONGER TOGETHER: Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion at IMPACT

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses IMPACT's recognition as one of the Diversity Council of Australia’s Inclusive Employers for 2024-25 and our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

As Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, I am immensely proud to share that we have been named one of the Diversity Council of Australia’s (DCA) Inclusive Employers for 2024-25. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

This week, we are also celebrating Inclusion at Work Week (November 18-22). It’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on our achievements and renew our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. It’s a time to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and learn from each other to further enhance our inclusive practices.

At IMPACT, diversity and inclusion are not just corporate buzzwords; they are the bedrock of our organisational culture. We believe that diversity—the rich mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—enriches our workplace and enhances our ability to serve our community effectively. Inclusion, on the other hand, is about ensuring that this diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated and integrated into every aspect of our operations.

Our recent recognition by the DCA reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. The Inclusion at Work survey highlights that 3.0% of our employees identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 18.2% have a disability, 78.8% are women, 12.0% identify as LGBTIQ+, and 21.2% are over the age of 55. These figures not only surpass national averages but also underscore our commitment to creating a truly representative workforce.

The survey results also reveal that 62% of our employees feel they are part of an inclusive team, compared to 46% in the broader Australian workforce. This is a significant achievement and speaks volumes about the inclusive culture we have cultivated.

Additionally, 59% of our managers are considered highly inclusive, compared to the national average of 31%. These managers are instrumental in fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, differences are celebrated, and inappropriate behaviours are promptly addressed.

As we celebrate this recognition, we remain acutely aware that our journey towards inclusivity is ongoing. There is always room for improvement, and we are committed in our efforts to build an even more inclusive future where every employee feels safe, valued, and included, and that everyone in the community is respected, connected, progressing, and contributing.

For now, though, I want to say thank you to every person in the IMPACT Community Services team for being part of this incredible journey. Your dedication and commitment are unwavering, and by continuing our work, we will further embed the rich characteristics of diversity and inclusion within our families, our workplaces and our broader community.