Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has addressed the Diversity Council of Australia (DCA), saying that diversity policies and striking a work-life balance are no longer just ‘nice to have’ but are a crucial business imperative.

 

Mr Shorten addressed an audience of HR, workplace relations and business executives at the DCA’s forum in Sydney, saying that critical talent shortages and the changing nature of the workplace mean that such policies are quickly becoming the backbone of successful companies.

 

“Smart employers know that attracting and retaining talent from all sections of the community including people with a disability, Indigenous Australians, mature-age workers and people from non-English speaking backgrounds, as well as offering family-friendly working arrangements, will enable them to reap the benefits of higher staff engagement and lower turnover. This is aided by an effective legislative and workplace relations framework but is also driven by innovation and leadership within organisations,”  Mr Shorten said.

 

DCA’s CEO, Nareen Young, said that diversity and equal employment opportunity concerns are now mainstream workplace relations issues.

 

“Being able to work part time and/or flexible hours is a critical enabler for many employee groups including mature-age people, working parents and people with a disability. But it can also deliver significant business benefits in terms of a more productive and sustainable workforce.”

 

Minister Shorten commended Australian employers who recognised the benefits of employing a diverse workforce and urged those lagging to embrace diversity in their organisational culture.



“There are many Australians who can and want to work but are facing workplace discrimination or ignorance from their employers of the benefits of having a diverse workforce.  Having a sense of work and purpose is integral to a person’s self esteem and it is a credit to the organisations who embrace diversity in their workforce because they are going one step further to ensure our society and economy remains in good health,” Mr Shorten said.