Aged care trio recognised among Australia’s top inclusive employers

Aged care providers Helping Hand, Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) and Mercy Community Services (MercyCare) have been named in the Diversity Council Australia’s (DCA) list of inclusive employers for 2024-25 which recognises workplaces for their exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The recognition comes as DCA holds Inclusion at Work Week, a celebration of the outstanding efforts by Australian organisations to foster inclusive and diverse workplaces. 

Over 60 organisations were recognised as Inclusive Employers across Australia. To make the list, workplaces must demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion by having employees complete an in-depth survey to map the state of inclusion in their organisation. 

They must also achieve results that exceed national benchmarks on a series of key measures. 

DCA Australia Chief Executive Officer Lisa Annese said the organisations named have shown how diversity can thrive when nurtured by workplaces. 

“DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index is an evidence-based process that reveals the state of inclusion and diversity across participating organisations. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the companies that are driving real change and inspiring others to follow their lead,” she said.

Helping Hand CEO Chris Stewart said he was incredibly proud of the South Australian provider with the recognition to serve as motivation to continue building on their strong and inclusive culture.

“This achievement reflects the heart of our culture – one that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Recently, over 600 of our team members shared their experiences through the DCA survey, and the results highlight just how diverse we truly are,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our team represents 64 cultural backgrounds, speaks 60 different languages, and comes from 46 countries. This diversity is not only something we celebrate, but it strengthens us, enabling us to provide care that’s culturally sensitive and services that are respectful and inclusive. 

“The survey also showed that our team members feel respected, supported, and connected. They’re excited about their career opportunities and take pride in how their individual strengths contribute to our overall success. Our team have created an environment where everyone can belong and thrive.”

Alethea Lee, Chief People, Culture and Legal Officer at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), shared those sentiments. She said the organisation was honoured to be recognised by DCA.

“This award reflects the commitment by Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) to fostering a workplace as vibrant and diverse as the communities we serve. Every day, we work to expand and strengthen initiatives that consciously attract and retain people from all backgrounds, bringing varied perspectives that enrich our workplace,” she said.

“I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where team members feel welcomed, safe, and respected – a place where they are encouraged to share ideas openly and embrace diverse perspectives. Together, we strive to build a culture that values every voice, fostering growth, collaboration, and belonging.”

Elsewhere, Western Australia’s MercyCare shared findings from a recent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Survey. It said the results reflect its ‘deep commitment to a workplace where every voice is valued to continue fostering richer perspectives, creativity, and support’.

The data showed that 61 cultural backgrounds are represented in MercyCare’s workforce with 59 languages spoken, 4% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representation and 10% representation for both LGBTQIA+ and people living with a disability.

“It is important to note that there is always more work to be done and ways to assist those who face historical, structural, and cultural barriers that contribute to and perpetuate disadvantage,” MercyCare said.

“At MercyCare, we consider diversity as being essential to who we are, and we’re excited to keep building a culture of respect and belonging.”

Findings from DCA’s 2023-24 Inclusion@Work Index revealed that employees in inclusive teams are eight times more likely to experience job satisfaction and four times more likely to provide excellent customer service.

However, almost one in five employees do not feel valued, respected or able to contribute and progress at work, while one-quarter said their manager does not show inclusive behaviours. 

Organisations that encourage and nurture diversity – and not just cultural diversity – are bucking those trends with lower levels of discrimination and harassment.  

DCA, meanwhile, has also named the Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn AC, as its new Patron. Ms Annese said the Governor-General’s longstanding leadership in championing gender equality and inclusion aligns with values at the heart of everything DCA does.

“Throughout my career, I have seen the transformative power of inclusive workplaces, and I look forward to serving as Patron of DCA. I spoke in my swearing-in as Governor-General of the role care plays in our community – the work of DCA goes directly to creating environments where everyone feels valued and respected,” Ms Mostyn added.