International Women’s Day has become a prominent day for companies to showcase their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. However, focusing on these issues for just one day is not enough to create lasting change. That’s why our #IWDED campaign was designed to encourage organisations to prioritise DEI initiatives year-round.
In this year’s campaign, we celebrated the companies that have made significant strides in their DEI efforts through partnerships with Adobe, Coca-Cola, Philip Morris International, Gumtree Australia and its group companies, Zip Co, and En World Group,
One of the initiatives that stood out was our Emerging Leaders Program. This program helps participants build confidence and develop the skills they need to become effective leaders. As a result, 88% of employees who attended the program were retained by their respective companies. This not only benefits the employees who participated in the program but also helps companies retain top talent and create a more diverse leadership team.
Another impactful initiative was the creation of bespoke female leadership programs. These programs are designed to promote gender equality and inclusion by increasing the representation of women across all levels of leadership. By accelerating the development of high-performing female talent with leadership programs, these companies are making strides towards creating a more equitable workplace environment.
New parental leave policies that support workers in juggling their professional and family obligations have also been implemented by businesses. Given that in recent years women accounted for almost 90% of primary parental leave, such policies are crucial to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to advance in their careers.
Outstanding results have come from these initiatives. Through sustained efforts and partnerships, companies have been able to increase representation, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and equip future female leaders with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. An added benefit across these programs has been the increased confidence among employees in explaining DEIB concepts, which rose by 15%.
Partnerships like these demonstrate the power of creating an inclusive workplace where individuals of diverse backgrounds can truly thrive. They show us that meaningful change is not only possible but also achievable. However, the key to creating lasting impact lies in sustained efforts year-round, as it is important to send a clear message to employees that they are valued for who they are and the unique perspectives they bring to the company, leading to increased engagement, job satisfaction, and talent retention.
Visit our social media channels to find out more about the achievements of our partners and to join us in recognising year-round DEI initiatives.
