Accenture’s top gong for diversity
Technology and consultancy company Accenture has taken out the award for LGBTI inclusion at this year’s Diversity@Work Awards.
Accenture won the accolade last month for its leadership in supporting LGBTI employees in the workplace.
The Diversity@Work judging panel said the company’s actions highlight the importance of creating an inclusive work environment.
“There is a demonstrable personal championship of initiatives by senior staff, who have provided visible leadership,” the panel said.
“There is evidence of a broad approach involving non-GLBTI [people] within and outside the organisation.
“It is particularly commendable that the company has demonstrated sensitivity to the cross-border sensitivities of different political and legislative structures within the countries in which it operates outside of Australia.”
Accenture runs a global LGBT network which links its LGBT workers and straight allies.
In the US, the company has more than 600 members in its LGBT network and took a lead in adding domestic partner benefits for all its employees. The network also holds an annual LGBT leadership conference.
Accenture has also shown leadership in adding sexual orientation and gender identity to its anti-discrimination policy and says it assists transgender employees when transitioning.
“This is an excellent example of the importance of creating an inclusive workplace where GLBTI staff are confidently able to reveal invisible attributes,” the panel said.
The awards ceremony, attended by almost 600 people, was held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre on October 21.
ANZ bank took out the highest award — the Organisational Diversity Laureate — and the Employment and Inclusion of Gender Diversity award.
Last year’s LGBT inclusion winner was the University of Queensland.
Accenture has also been recognised in the past for its diversity awareness.
The company was included in the 2011 Pride In Diversity list, which recognises inclusion of LGBTI people in the workplace.
