Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is about recognising and valuing the contribution of people from different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
Diverse, inclusive places where people can bring their whole selves to work.
Diversity and Inclusion
For Scentre Group, diversity includes, but is not limited to, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion and cultural background. We are creating a workplace for everyone. A workplace that supports equal opportunity, equal access to career development, workplace flexibility and parental leave arrangements. Inclusion is about developing a culture where all employees can thrive and feel supported to bring their whole selves to work.
In 2015 we launched our strategy for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) and focussed predominantly on gender balance and flexibility in the workplace.
"We want to break stigmas attached to people requesting flexible work arrangements for any reason – family, sport, study or personal commitments. We have so many positive examples where flexibility has proven a win-win situation for the individual, their family and the business."
– Peter Allen, CEO, Scentre Group.
Scentre Group’s D&I Council is charged with creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
D&I Council
This year, the D&I Council has been busy expanding our D&I agenda. Our Connect Network helps women build confidence and invites them to share their experiences in focus groups to help Scentre Group understand any potential career barriers. Our Parents Connect program supports working parents balance work and family demands by providing forums to share experiences and learn from others.
We launched Scentre Group’s first Reconciliation Action Plan during NAIDOC week to create a workplace reflective of the communities in which we operate. Our vision for reconciliation is to educate our communities and to demonstrate respect for and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We want to embed positive cultural change and create a future where the importance of these communities and their cultures is recognised and celebrated around Australia.
Another first was the launch of Scentre Group’s LGBTI plan to ensure all employees feel supported to bring their whole selves to work. We celebrated Wear It Purple Day on 26 August, in alignment with the national Youth Action Council campaign. Each employee was invited to wear purple on the day to support the cause, and received a wristband for raising awareness.
Poor mental health can have a significant impact on individuals, their families, their communities and their contribution at work. Our Mental Health and Wellness plan aims to remove the stigma associated with mental illness for all Scentre Group people. Our education program aims to increase resilience and wellbeing across all parts of our business. We have partnered with the Black Dog Institute, a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders.
Our Domestic Violence policy aims to create a psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they are able to disclose issues or concerns of domestic violence and sexual assault without fear of negative consequences. We are educating our managers to recognise symptoms of domestic violence and address instances empathetically when they arise. Our policy extends to our community, providing shoppers with support and information about where they can seek help.
