In the evolving retail landscape, fostering workplaces that are unbiased, inclusive, and supportive of diverse backgrounds is not only the right thing to do—it’s essential for growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Business in Heels, the organisation behind the Gender Equity Awards, has identified game-changing practices that retailers can adopt to ensure all employees feel valued and included. These practices not only attract diverse talent but also drive better business outcomes.
- Choice of Public Holidays
Recognising that not everyone follows the same religious calendar, progressive companies like Capgemini and Coulter Legal allow employees to select public holidays based on their personal or religious preferences. This approach enables employees of non-Christian faiths to observe important religious days without sacrificing their leave allowances. Such flexibility demonstrates respect for individual beliefs and fosters a sense of belonging, ensuring employees feel seen and valued.
- Diverse Leadership Representation
Representation matters. When leadership reflects the diversity of the workforce and customers, it sends a powerful message of inclusion. Kmart maintains gender balance among leadership roles, with women holding 45% of all leadership positions. This includes 49% of store leadership roles and 48% of corporate leadership roles. This ensures diverse voices are heard at the decision-making table, resulting in better customer engagement and satisfaction.
- Inclusive Language Policies
Language is a cornerstone of inclusion. Ensuring all communications—internal and external—use inclusive, gender-neutral terms helps avoid alienating any group. Many retailers have integrated these policies into their onboarding materials, emphasising respect and equality in customer interactions and team communications.
- Cultural Awareness and Celebrations
Retailers that embrace and celebrate cultural diversity within their teams create an environment of belonging. For instance, Woolworths has implemented programs to celebrate cultural days like NAIDOC Week and Lunar New Year, fostering appreciation and inclusivity.
- Blind Recruitment Practices
Removing names and other identifying details from resumes ensures hiring decisions are based on skills and experience, not unconscious biases. This practice, adopted by organisations like Coles, has been pivotal in increasing diversity across all levels.
The Impact of Inclusion
Inclusion isn’t just good for employees—it’s good for business. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, leading to better problem-solving, innovation, and customer connection. For retailers, fostering inclusion helps build stronger relationships with a broad customer base, reflecting Australia’s multicultural society.
By implementing these practices, retailers can lead the way in creating workplaces that are welcoming, unbiased, and representative of the communities they serve. Business in Heels’ Gender Equity Awards highlights how these efforts can result in transformative change—not just for individuals but for entire organisations.
Inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. Let’s work together to ensure everyone feels they belong.
Lisa Sweeney is CEO of Business in Heels, a networking organisation designed to support, connect, and empower women in business. It provides opportunities for female entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders to grow their networks, develop their skills, and access mentorship.
