YAY supports multicultural youth re-engage in their communities and find work and training programs. The internship program provides 60 young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds an opportunity to kickstart their careers through paid internships.

The program reflects growing evidence that highlights the benefits of workplace diversity and inclusion.

The Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) defines diversity as the mix of people in an organisation, and inclusion as a workplace environment that enables that mix to work for employees and the organisation.

Diversity reflects our varying characteristics of identity, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, age, caring responsibilities, cultural background, disability, gender, LGBTIQ+ status, social class, faith and religion, and professional identity.

Helping to enhance diversity is only part of the equation. Inclusion occurs when a diverse cohort is respected, connected, progressing and contributing to organisational success.

The Victorian Chamber’s expert Workplace Relations Consultants explain below the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in your workplace.

1: The numbers stack up

Inclusive workplaces function more effectively. By attracting and retaining diverse employees, we not only unlock a much broader talent base, research shows our employees will be 10 times more innovative than those in non-inclusive workplaces!

By bringing diverse experiences, opinions and perspectives together, we are much more likely to challenge each other’s thinking and question the status quo. New processes, products, approaches and opportunities flourish when we put our collective and collaborative thinking to the test in a diverse and inclusive environment. Your bottom line will subsequently benefit.

2: Your customers will benefit

It makes sense that we won’t fully understand our clients’ and customers’ needs if our team doesn’t reflect the range of people and businesses we deal with. Our customers will also benefit from the fact that employees in diverse environments are six times more likely to deliver excellent customer service and four times more likely to put in extra effort at work.

3: Stronger organisational identity

Who doesn’t love a journey of self-discovery? The first step to developing stronger diversity is to understand how diverse your workforce already is. Collect the data and start to develop an appreciation for your staff profile. Once you know who you are, you can begin to set some objectives and actions to achieve even greater diversity while building a more inclusive culture as you go.

To refresh your knowledge or to build new skills, the Victorian Chamber’s training programs include in-person, remote and self-paced learning options covering a broad range of topics to boost your diversity and inclusion capability.

4: The legislative signals are all around us

From the recently passed Commonwealth ‘Respect@Work legislation, to established national and state discrimination laws and gender equity and equal opportunity requirements, businesses are increasingly expected to proactively pursue their positive duty to take all reasonable steps to create welcoming and safe environments free of harassment, discrimination, bullying and other inappropriate conduct. Building team diversity can help generate better awareness, understanding and appreciation of difference.

Compliance can be a challenging and complex test for any business. Our team of Workplace Relations Consultants can guide you through this process, making sure you are meeting your obligations under various workplace laws, including equal opportunity, workplace health and safety, privacy and human rights requirements.

5: Build your own diverse talent base

Today’s trainees, interns, graduates and new recruits will shape your future workforce. By building a diversity focus into your recruitment practices, you can make diversity a natural outcome of healthy turnover, leading to an inclusive workplace, vibrant culture and serious competitive advantage.

Why not start by becoming a participant in the Victorian Chamber’s YAY Placement Program?

By engaging a degree-qualified multicultural intern for a six-to-eight-week internship, businesses receive free cultural awareness and pre-internship preparatory training and a $5,000 payment on completion of the internship to contribute towards the cost of taking on an intern.

Read more and apply here

How the Victorian Chamber can further assist

For assistance with any aspect of your employment obligations, please call the Victorian Chamber Workplace Relations Advice Line on 8662 5222 or view our HR Support Packages.

Workplace Relations Advice Line

Trying to deal with workplace issues alone but don’t know where to start? Before you take any action, call our Workplace Relations Advice Line.

Our experienced team are here to give you over-the-phone advice about human resources or workplace relations issues. Our Employer members have free and unlimited access to expert advice through the Workplace Relations Advice Line.

Fair Work representation

Managing claims in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) or other tribunals such as VCAT can be one of the most stressful and costly issues for your business. With help from our Workplace Relations consultants, you can rest assured our expertise is on your side.

Wages and Entitlements

Is your business paying its employees correctly? When it comes to wages, awards and entitlements, ensure that your business complies with the law with professional support from our Workplace Relations Advice Line and consultants.

If you have any questions our workplace relations advice line is available to assist on 03 8662 5222.