At Ventia, we’re building a culture that respects and values people’s differences, ensuring everyone feels that they belong and have a role to play in our continuing success.
Our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive environment is foundational to the values that guide how we interact every day.
Research shows that an inclusive and collaborative work environment leads to employees feeling more connected to their place of work. It also leads to greater innovation through exchange of ideas and perspectives which in turn leads to better solutions for our clients.
CREATING AWARENESS
Many of our leaders have undertaken Inclusive Leadership and Unconscious Bias Training focused on leadership actions that facilitate inclusion. The Inclusive Leadership training supports leaders to recognise and reduce the bias they unknowingly may have brought to their hiring, promotion, performance and pay practices, and to find more inclusive ways to manage.
We encourage everyone, not just leaders, to be curious about different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
The cultural diversity of our workforce is already one of our biggest strengths and reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
In our New Zealand Visionstream team, for example, our 725 employees represent more than 30 nationalities.
An important part of recognising our cultural diversity is celebrating days and events of cultural significance. Across Australia and New Zealand, our teams celebrate a broad range of key cultural events and national days including Harmony Day, Diwali, National Reconciliation Week, and Eid al Adha.
SUPPORTING OPPORTUNITIES
We’re also giving our people the support and opportunity to be the best they can be.
One small but powerful example is the literacy program we’ve rolled out for some of our frontline team members in New Zealand. The program aims to upskill employees to become more confident in their oral and written communications. Developed in partnership with a learning partner, the program has successfully enhanced the skills of participants, some of whom may not have had the benefit of a comprehensive secondary education. This has translated into improved customer service and greater self-confidence.
In our Telecommunications business, on a contract where we have a large number of migrant workers, we provide a range of work-related materials and presentations in multiple languages as well as job training and opportunities to improve their language capabilities and learn about the country’s culture. In doing this, we show our respect for the individuals and support them to carry out their roles successfully.
DIVERSE CANDIDATES FOR DIVERSE ROLES
We work hard to ensure job opportunities are promoted through a variety of organisations that support people from different backgrounds to find work. For example, in Western Australia (WA), our soft facilities management services business Delron works closely with APM, Australia’s largest provider of disability employment services. We’ve found several valued team members including Joseph, who like one-in-five Australians, lives with a disability. After struggling to find work, Joseph found an opportunity through APM who placed him into a commercial cleaning role on the Delron team.
Joseph is enjoying the job and has been profiled in a recent video by APM. “It just feels awesome to have a job,” he says.
Also in WA, we have preferred supplier agreements with a number of (Supply Nation registered) recruitment agencies including: Zancott, Dandjoo Services and DK Kaartdijin. We work with these agencies to create meaningful employment outcomes for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers and develop long-term and trusted relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, businesses and suppliers.
Veterans employment – sustainable recruitment at GMS Each year, around 5,000 Australians leave the Australian Defence force and many of these ex-serving personnel have valuable skills that are a great fit for our workforce.
The 23-strong incident response team Gateway Motorway Services (GMS) contract in Queensland includes seven members with an Australian Defence Force background.
MEET DAVE NOBLE
For the first 14 years of his career, Dave Noble served in the Australian Army. For the last two years, he has been an Incident Responder and member of the Traffic Incident Management Service team on our Gateway Motorway Services (GMS) contract in Queensland.
Contract Manager Simon Kirkpatrick sees incredible value in hiring veterans into our business and says Dave is a great asset to the team.
“Veterans perform exceptionally well when it comes to providing first response to serious motor vehicle accidents, grass fires, medical episodes and saving people at risk of harm,” he says. “They possess the demeanor and temperament to manage critical incidents and de-escalate events quickly and efficiently.”
Dave was recruited to the team in June 2018 via the relationship established between GMS and the Queensland branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL QLD).
“GMS has partnered with RSL QLD to provide a transitional career conduit from military to civilian life,” Simon explains. “Both organisations recognise that military service experience can benefit corporate Australia, and we’re keen to utilise these skills to deliver results for our client.”
This recruitment program was recognised nationally this year through the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards – as finalists in the Category of Veterans’ Employer of the Year – Medium.
Dave enjoys his role with GMS, especially the great team he works with, the variety of work locations and the structure of the shift rosters.
“One of the best parts of this job is being able to help someone out of trouble,” Dave says. “The skills I learned in the military over a 14-year period have really helped in this role, and I am pleased to be able to put them to good use.”
Watch other veteran stories
Banner image: L-R Alexander Baucia, George El-Hani and Babou Faye
