Sydney, Australia (CU)_ Winners of this year’s Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards included several professional services companies such as Capgemini and Boston Consulting Group, both of which were recognized as employers of the year. This year, as many as 170 businesses took part in the Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards, allowing their employees to complete a survey that evaluates workplaces based on the effect and progress towards their LGBTQ inclusion policies, measures, and culture.
The 2022 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards honored the insurance industry this year, with QBE earning the credit of the first insurer to qualify for top-level platinum employer accreditation and NRMA receiving the most improved award. After achieving gold level for the fourth consecutive year at the most recent awards, which is the minimum requirement for top LGBTQ employer accreditation, QBE advanced to platinum rank.
Allianz, Zurich, and law firm DLA Piper earned silver certification, while NRMA, IAG, Hollard, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) received bronze. According to Shiona Watson, Chief People Officer of QBE Australia Pacific, it was a great honor to be recognized. She added, “An inclusive workplace is embedded in our DNA. I’m incredibly proud of our QBE Pride Committee and our Diversity and Inclusion team. This award is a testament to their great work, and to all of our QBE employees who champion inclusivity.”
The awards are based on the principles established by the Australian Workplace Equality Index, which evaluates the development and effectiveness towards LGBTQ inclusion programs every year. A total of 172 companies participated this year. The consulting company Capgemini Australia was awarded the Employer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Boston Consulting Group was awarded the title of Small Employer of the Year.
Dawn Emsen-Hough, Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, which hosts the annual competition, said, “The employee survey for the LGBTQ competition provides us with a great insight into workplace attitudes towards diversity and inclusion, and sheds light on the top employers for LGBTQ communities”. He added, “It’s important that efforts are acknowledged and celebrated, and that we continue to build upon all the amazing achievements being made. I congratulate them all on their impressive achievements and for showing leadership in LGBTQ inclusion.”
