A strategy for workplace diversity

Engineers Australia has welcomed 'A strategy for inclusiveness, well-being and diversity in engineering workplaces'. The strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap to improve diversity and inclusiveness in Australia’s engineering workplaces.

“The participation of women and other diverse groups in engineering and science continues to be low despite significant investment by companies in diversity programs. In fact, the engineering sector is one of the worst performers in Australia with only five Australian-owned organisations named in the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s 2014 list of Employers of Choice,” said Dr Marlene Kanga AM, author of the strategy and immediate past national president of Engineers Australia.

“This strategy offers a considered approach to changing systemic barriers which hinder the effective participation and contribution of everyone who wants to have a career in engineering. The benefits of such a strategy go beyond those who will gain better access to a career in engineering; companies with effective policies for diversity and inclusion show significantly higher levels of financial performance.

“This strategy highlights the importance of leadership from the chief executive and board in driving cultural change. The lessons learned in changing cultures to improve workplace safety have been applied in the diversity space, an innovation that presents a powerful message in familiar language for engineering organisations.

“The need for this initiative is highlighted by widespread support from engineering and science organisations in Australia, including Consult Australia, the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Chief Executive Women and, of course, Engineers Australia. It is also supported by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, who has provided a foreword for the strategy,” said Dr Kanga.

'A strategy for inclusiveness, wellbeing and diversity in engineering workplaces' is available at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/about-us/research-and-reports.