Diversity

Workplace diversity is a concept that has been used in the Australian Public Service (APS) for over a decade. It involves recognising the value of the broad spectrum of individual differences of employees, and managing them in the workplace, as well as the principle of equal employment opportunity (EEO). Workplace diversity and EEO polices help to address employment disadvantage experienced by particular groups of people, notably women, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability.

The Public Service Act 1999 puts a strong emphasis on the importance of diversity and equity in employment in their own right. In particular, the APS Values (the Values) state that the APS provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves, and promotes equity in employment.

There is also a strong business case for workplace diversity. A commitment to a diverse workforce allows agencies to draw on a range of perspectives and ideas, undertake effective consultation, and ensure that service delivery mechanisms meet client needs in our diverse society.

Research shows that employees’ perceptions of diversity, equity, and fairness in the workplace affect their level of engagement with their work and their organisation, and in turn their commitment to the work they do and their intention to remain with the organisation. A strong commitment to workplace diversity can increase employees’ commitment to their work and reduce levels of staff turnover. The ageing workforce and the tightening labour market also make it imperative that agencies draw on the full breadth and diversity of the workforce to meet their demands for skilled employees.

This chapter looks at agencies’ commitment to workplace diversity and success in achieving improved employment outcomes for particular groups of employees, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, employees with disability, employees from non-English speaking backgrounds and employees of different ages. The chapter draws on data from the Australian Public Service Employment Database (APSED) and on responses to the agency and employee surveys in order to make an assessment of how well the APS is utilising diversity within its workplaces.

The APS has made great progress in removing employment disadvantage for women. Women now make up 56.6% of the ongoing APS workforce and 57.0% of total employees. Women’s representation across the classification groups is very good, and continues to improve at the higher levels. Data from the employee survey shows that women are more positive than men in their attitudes across a broad spectrum of workplace measures. Specific trends in women’s employment are discussed in Chapter 2 and variations in women’s and men’s views are highlighted in other chapters where they are significant.