Diversity and Inclusion

Summary

New South Wales Health celebrates the diversity of its 170,000 workforce, emphasizing the importance of belonging and inclusion. Employees from varied backgrounds share their experiences of feeling valued through respect for their traditions, flexible work options, and opportunities based on merit. The message highlights that diversity means being accepted for who one is, fostering a safe environment, and encouraging collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment. New South Wales Health is dedicated to reflecting the communities it serves and ensuring that everyone feels included and able to contribute their unique skills.

Takeaways

• 🌍 New South Wales Health employs a diverse workforce of 170,000 individuals from various backgrounds.
• 🤝 Inclusion is vital, with a focus on belonging for all employees regardless of their differences.
• 🕰️ Flexibility in work hours is essential for accommodating personal responsibilities, such as family care.
• 💼 Opportunities should be based on individual abilities rather than assumptions about seniority or identity.
• 🌈 Respect for personal traditions and celebrations fosters a sense of belonging among colleagues.
• 🤔 Engagement and curiosity about diverse cultures help create an inclusive work environment.
• 💬 Employees should feel safe discussing their personal lives, including relationships and identities.
• 🔄 The CORE values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment underpin the commitment to diversity.
• 🎉 Diversity means feeling accepted and safe in the workplace without judgment.
• 🏥 New South Wales Health is dedicated to reflecting the communities it serves through its diverse workforce.

Q & A

What is the size of the New South Wales Health workforce?

The New South Wales Health workforce consists of 170,000 members.

What aspects of diversity are highlighted in the script?

The script emphasizes diversity in terms of nationality, culture, language, age, family structures, gender identities, and abilities.

How does the workforce aim to make individuals feel they belong?

Individuals feel they belong when their personal obligations are understood, flexible working hours are offered, opportunities are based on abilities, and their traditions are respected.

What are some specific examples of belonging mentioned in the transcript?

Examples include understanding obligations around sorry business, working flexible hours for childcare, and being able to discuss personal relationships openly.

What does the term 'diversity' mean in the context of this script?

Diversity refers to feeling accepted for who one is, being able to be oneself without judgment, and having opportunities to utilize one's skills.

What are the CORE values mentioned in the script?

The CORE values are collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment.

How does New South Wales Health demonstrate its commitment to diversity?

New South Wales Health welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Why is it important for people to ask questions about each other's cultures?

Asking questions fosters understanding and respect, as opposed to making assumptions about individuals' backgrounds.

What does the phrase 'feeling included' refer to in the context of the workforce?

Feeling included means being recognized for one's skills, being asked for input, and having one's identity respected, including the use of correct pronouns.

What does the script imply about assumptions in the workplace?

The script suggests that assumptions, such as regarding seniority based on race or gender, are harmful and that inclusivity requires recognizing individual capabilities.