Helping Hand Achieves Inclusive Employer Status, Exceeding National Benchmark

In October 2022, Helping Hand were awarded Inclusive Employer status by the Diversity Council of Australia. 119 staff took part in the survey. According to the Diversity Council of Australia (DCA), everyone benefits when an organisation takes action to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

The DCA is the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace and, every two years, Australian organisations can participate in DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index, which enables them to measure diversity and inclusion in their workforce and compare findings to a National Index Benchmark (derived from a nationally representative survey of 3000 Australian workers).

To become an Inclusive Employer, Helping Hand needed to exceed the national benchmark on at least five out of the six measures in the survey - exceeded the national benchmark on all six.

These measures included:

• Engagement
• Awareness
• Inclusive Organisation
• Exclusion
• Inclusive Team
• Inclusive Leadership

Helping Hand’s participation in the survey has provided the organisation with some excellent insight into the diversity of the Helping Hand team.

How staff perceive Helping Hand’s levels of inclusivity

Most significantly, 60% of Helping Hand employees report having an inclusive manager, compared to the Australian workforce average of 31%. An inclusive manager is deemed to be one who values differences, seeks out and uses a diversity of ideas, treats everyone fairly, and deals with inappropriate behaviour. The percentage of Helping Hand staff with inclusive managers that answered always to the statements about effectiveness, innovation, customer service and effort far outstripped those without.

In addition, 56% of Helping Hand employees report being in inclusive teams, compared to the Australian workforce average of 49%. An inclusive team being one where a diversity of people (e.g., from different ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, etc) feel they are respected and valued team members, who can be themselves, and to contribute and progress at work.

55% of Helping Hand employees report that there is an inclusive organisational climate, compared to the Australian workforce average of 40%. An inclusive organisational climate is one that has an inclusive culture where diversity is valued, employees can trust the organisation to treat them fairly, and the top leaders demonstrate visible commitment to diversity and inclusion.

How inclusivity benefits staff performance

The results clearly show the impact (and difference) on staff performance working in inclusive and non-inclusive teams.

It was determined that Helping Hand employees in inclusive teams are:

The results also identify that working in an inclusive team reduces the risk of discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Consequently, not only are Helping Hand proud to have achieved this status, but they are also determined to uphold these standards of inclusivity so they can maintain the immeasurable benefit they bring to staff, and clients in turn.

Helping Hand Chief Executive Officer, Chris Stewart, explained:

“Processes like this provide an opportunity for organisations to hold a mirror up to themselves, and it can be vulnerable to place ourselves in these situations. But it’s only through transparency and values-based engagement that you can allow yourselves the opportunity to see how you are tracking in these very important areas. For us, we are delighted in the positive result. However, we know we can always do more, and we are committed to working even harder when it comes to diversity, inclusion and belonging.”

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