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Writer's pictureKate Warren

Be your wonderful self at work...

Welcome back to the Stay U Blog. So happy to have you here!


The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot in today's society - so much so that it sometimes emphasises a state of being that should be a given - part of everyday society without question. In some cases, pointing out that a place or service is "inclusive" makes the people, culture, community or religion mentioned feel that they were "unwelcome" in the first place. It conjures images of women not being allowed in pubs, and people being separated at school based on the colour of their skin. The sad reality is that people are still excluded for their race, sexual orientation, beliefs and gender every day - especially in the workplace.


Consider this...

The average person:


Given the amount of time we spend in our chosen jobs, it is important for us to feel happy, secure, respected, and supported. Does the place you work tick all of those boxes?



Research conducted by Randstad, a multinational HR consulting firm, found that the top 10 reasons for high employee turnover showed some alarming patterns. Can you relate to any of these reasons?


  1. Toxic Culture or Poor Culture Fit: When the work environment becomes unhealthy, employees may seek better alternatives elsewhere.

  2. Lack of Purpose or Meaning in Work: Feeling disconnected from the organization’s mission can lead to dissatisfaction and eventual departure.

  3. Overwork or Burnout: Excessive workload without adequate support can drive employees away.

  4. Boredom or Lack of Challenge: A monotonous job can prompt individuals to explore new opportunities.

  5. A Bad Boss or Inefficient Management: Poor leadership negatively impacts employee morale and retention.

  6. Inadequate Compensation or Benefits: Competitive pay and benefits are crucial for retaining talent.

  7. Absence of Camaraderie or Teamwork: A lack of social connections at work can contribute to turnover.

  8. Diversity Deficiencies or Discrimination: Inclusive workplaces foster loyalty and commitment.

  9. Life Events or Personal Reasons: Sometimes, personal circumstances necessitate a change.

  10. Organisational Restructuring or Change: Uncertainty due to restructuring can prompt employees to seek stability elsewhere.


When I read the above reasons, I see people feeling excluded, disconnected, overworked and underpaid, discriminated against, and unstable. I have left jobs for those very reasons, and I'm sure some of you have too. The key for me is inclusion - put simply, feeling part of the team.


  • Builds a positive atmosphere that all employees will enjoy being a part of.

  • Boosts employee morale and creates a vibrant and diverse company culture.

  • Makes employees feel accepted in their individuality and motivates them to show up for work because of their increased sense of belonging.

  • Enhances innovation and is more likely to meet or surpass financial goals.

  • Increases employee retention and reduces the likelihood of employees leaving for another position within a year.


You might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but who ARE the companies that will make me feel included?!" Let me tell you!



The company logos above represent the top 8 "inclusive" businesses in Australia.


QANTAS: Qantas values people’s diverse lived experiences and believes that their inclusive culture contributes to their strength and success. Diversity of thought and experience helps to understand customers, make better decisions, and get things done safely. They aim to build a safe and inclusive culture by championing equity and celebrating diversity.

Qantas continues to focus on key pillars of their Inclusion and Diversity Strategy with a spotlight on gender balance, including a new three-year gender target, delivery of the Qantas Group Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and initiatives across LGBTQIA+ and Accessibility programs.


HCF: Inclusion and diversity are integral to HCF's culture. Their recent diversity scores were all above the 'All Industries' global benchmark, reinforcing their commitment to fostering belonging, respect and equal opportunity across our workforce. HCF also launched their inaugural Gender Equality strategy this year ensuring that they’re building a truly gender-inclusive culture at HCF. HCF's "Diversity and Inclusion Statement" (2022) can be viewed via their website and aims to encourage a diverse workforce and inclusive culture based on HCF’s values - Step Forward, Walk in Their Shoes, Stay Human, Make It Better, and Get There Together.


ABC: As a much-loved part of Australian society and its cultural fabric ABC's role is to provide informative, entertaining, and educational services that reflect the breadth of our nation.  This includes supporting and highlighting the LGBTQIA+ Community through main channels (TV, radio & online) and LGBTQIA+ platforms such as AWEI-winning podcast "Innies & Outies" and AWEI-winning Instagram platform "ABC Queer".  

David Anderson, their Managing Director won CEO of the Year at the AWEI Awards 2022, they are a Gold Employer at the AWEI Awards, and with an active Pride group, ABC strive to provide a safe and inclusive workplace for all.


CSIRO: The Pride@CSIRO Network, a growing community of ~300 identifying and allied CSIRO employees, promotes and drives LGBTQIA+ inclusion by raising awareness, supporting peers and challenging discrimination. They have achieved Silver Employer Status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI). Through their renewed Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DI&B) Strategy (that takes them through to 2026), CSIRO have identified international days of significance to celebrate, including the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Through storytelling, site events and a cross-agency webcast they put a spotlight on how we can all be better allies and encourage inclusion.

Their DI&B strategy also states that they create safe workplaces, where people with lived experience can share challenges, and successes and form positive relationships across the organisation.


Deloitte: Deloitte is a professional services firm, driven by a purpose to make an impact that matters for our people, clients and our community. 

Deloitte is a place where diversity belongs. They believe in authenticity and work hard to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their true selves to work.


Australian Defence Force (in particular, the Australian Air Force): The ADF is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce to support our people, to defend Australia and its national interests in order to advance Australia’s security and prosperity.

The ADF's capability relies on the ability to attract and retain the best possible talent regardless of background. They are focused on building capability through inclusion and being an employer of choice for the LGBTQIA+ community.


NSW Department of Education: The NSW DoE Pride in Education Network, led by two executive sponsors and two co-chairs, has grown to be one of the largest in the NSW public sector and the largest staff network for the DoE. It has worked tirelessly to make the DoE a more inclusive place to work. They celebrate days of significance such as IDAHOBIT and Wear it Purple Day (a day born in NSW public education) to make sure the LQBTQIA+ community is visible and our stories are heard across NSW. They are also a member of Pride in Diversity and are well underway to enter the Australian Workplace Equality Index.


PwC: PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited is a multinational professional services brand of firms, operating as partnerships under the PwC brand. It is the second-largest professional services network in the world and is considered one of the Big Four accounting firms, along with Deloitte, EY and KPMG. PwC is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through an evidence-based strategy designed to achieve well-defined and meaningful aspirational goals. The company aims to be an organization that leads in inclusion that is an attractive place for diverse talent. PwC continuously strives to create an inclusive culture in which all employees feel engaged and can be themselves.


Some other businesses and industries who are known for their values of inclusion and diversity include:


  • Hospitality - in particular, cafes, restaurants and bars

  • Healthcare sector - in particular, nursing and aged care

  • Working with animals - in particular, zoos and animal shelters

  • Disability sector

  • Charity organisations

  • Entertainment industry


A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that makes everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the business, feel equally involved in and supported in all areas of the workplace. The “all areas” part is important. If you are not working for a company that values its employees and lets you be yourself, maybe it's time that changed?


That is all for this month's blog. I hope you enjoyed it, found it interesting and inspirational, and will be back next time. Until then, take care, stay yourself, and remember -"If you want to find out about the road ahead, then ask about it from those coming back."

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