Only half of HR professionals think their leaders prioritise diversity and inclusion

Wednesday 21 May

Despite growing diversity in Australia’s workforce, new research reveals there is still some way to go. Research shows that 84% of HR professionals say that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is critical to the future success of their organisation – but only half (50%) say their organisation’s leaders view DEI as a priority.¹

At the same time, one third (32%) of workers from non-English-speaking backgrounds reported experiencing discrimination or harassment in the workplace,² and 42% of people living with a disability reported similar experiences.³

This disconnect is a timely reminder that businesses’ commitments to diversity and inclusion must be genuine, not only to address discrimination but also to strengthen innovation, performance and connection with employees.

This World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (21 May)⁴, atWork Australia is raising awareness of the powerful impact culturally inclusive employers have – not only on clients from multicultural backgrounds but also on the organisations that welcome them.

atWork Australia has a strong focus on developing relationships with culturally inclusive employers to create employment pathways for clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

atWork Australia are currently supporting more than 60,000 clients to find meaningful employment.  Of those, 29% are from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background with a majority having been born overseas in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Vietnam and China. This in itself creates additional barriers when seeking employment in Australia.

However, data suggests that atWork Australia’s efforts to support this disadvantaged community is contributing to positive improvements. On average when a culturally diverse client is supported on their employment journey by atWork Australia the time taken for them to secure sustainable employment is comparable with that of a client without these additional challenges.

This is very promising and highlights the benefit and depth of support that is offered. More often than not individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds gravitate to the metro regions as employment opportunities and support services can be more available.

Observed globally, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development promotes understanding and cohesion, offering Australian employers a chance to reflect on how they are embedding inclusive practices into their recruitment, onboarding and workplace culture.

VB Store, a grocery wholesaler, based in Banksmeadow, NSW, shows the positive impact of inclusivity in the workplace. Since partnering with atWork Australia, VB Store has provided 35 clients, many living with a disability, the opportunity to find meaningful, sustainable employment.

This commitment to diversity and inclusion played a major role in VB Store being named a finalist for the 2024 Disability Employment Australia Prime Super Employer Award, which recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional inclusion of people with disability in ongoing employment.

“We’re proud to provide opportunities for individuals to thrive, and it’s been great seeing the positive impact it has on both employees and our business,” said Vivek, owner of VB Store. “Hiring a more diverse workforce has enriched our company culture and contributed to our long-term success.”

atWork Australia client, Viet (aged 62 years), from Darlington, NSW, originally from Vietnam, had struggled for years to find suitable work, due to language barriers and challenges with age discrimination. After over a year of support from atWork Australia including food vouchers, personal protective equipment and interpreter services, Viet was connected with VB Store and began working in a picking and packing role six months ago.

"I’m so happy with the job at VB Store," said Viet through an in-house interpreter. "The work is great, and the environment is very friendly. I’m now able to support my family, and I look forward to Christmas knowing that I’m contributing and can spend more time with my loved ones."

With atWork Australia’s support, Viet’s life has changed for the better. “Without this job, I would still be searching and unable to support my family,” Viet added. “I’m lucky to have found the right place.”

atWork Australia’s Employer Engagement Consultant, Irene, said "VB Store’s approach to diversity has created a more inclusive and productive workplace. It’s an example of how embracing differences can have tangible benefits for everyone involved".

atWork Australia remains committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds with meaningful employment opportunities, and helping organisations build stronger, more innovative teams. True to its word, Viet comments that “atWork Australia speaks your language” in a real and genuine way.

To learn more about atWork Australia’s DES support, visit: https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/disability-employment-services/.

ENDS

About atWork Australia

atWork Australia has been delivering employment services on behalf of the Australian Government since 2003. From more than 300 locations around the nation, atWork Australia delivers Disability Employment Services (DES) and Workforce Australia connecting people and business so both can thrive.

Collaborating with more than 3,500 employers across the country, atWork Australia has connected more than 20,000 Australians with meaningful and sustainable employment across six states over the last 12 months, across a diverse range of industries and occupations. Find out more at www.atworkaustralia.com.au.

References

1. Australian HR Institute. The State of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian Workplaces. February 2023. https://www.ahri.com.au/wp-content/uploads/DEI-Report-2023.pdf. Accessed May 2025.
2. Diversity Council Australia. Inclusion@Work Index 2023–2024: Mapping the state of inclusion in the Australian workforce. February 2024. https://www.dca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DCA_Inclusion@Work_Index_2023-2024_Synopsis.pdf. Accessed May 2025.
3. Diversity Council Australia. New report offers keys to disability inclusion at work. August 2024. https://www.dca.org.au/news/media-releases/new-report-offers-keys-to-disability-inclusion-at-work. Accessed May 2025.
4. United Nations. World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day. Accessed May 2025.

Tia Orfanidis, SenateSHJ, +61 411 293 583 / [email protected]