MAX Solutions named as an inclusive employer

MAX Solutions has been officially assessed to be an inclusive employer by the nation’s independent peak body for workplace diversity, Diversity Council Australia (DCA).

According to DCA, an inclusive organisation is one where employees trust their employer to treat them fairly; feel diversity is valued and respected; and report that senior leaders demonstrate a visible and genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.

DCA began tracking diversity and inclusion in the Australian workforce in 2017.

This year, the not-for-profit partnered with Melbourne-based outfit Cultural Infusion to conduct the third biennial Inclusion at Work DCA Member Index.

MAX Solutions Managing Director Deborah Homewood said her organisation’s official classification as an inclusive employer was a result of a concerted effort to reflect the overall Australian population in its own workforce.

“Australia is arguably the most multicultural country on earth, with people represented from myriad of different backgrounds, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, and more,” said Ms Homewood.

“It’s only sensible, then, that we employ a workforce that properly reflects the broader Australian society – and celebrate the different perspectives and experiences that our team members bring to our organisation.

“For me, receiving this assessment from Diversity Council Australia is a significant indicator of how MAX Solutions is progressing as an organisation. We’re thrilled to have received the classification.”

Ms Homewood said MAX would continue to investigate how it could incorporate perspectives from diverse populations in its business decisions going forward.

As part of the DCA inclusive employer assessment, MAX staff took part in an independent workforce survey.

91 percent of MAX survey respondents agreed, or strongly agreed, that their fellow team members treat each other with respect, regardless of age, culture or ethnicity, disability, gender, Indigenous background, or sexual orientation (compared to 78% of the overall Australian workforce).

Moreover, 88 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that immediate supervisors treat everyone fairly, regardless of their background (compared to 78% of the overall Australian workforce).