It follows the company's Rainbow Tick accreditation
WorkSafe New Zealand chief executive officer (CEO) Phil Parkes has vowed to continue the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion after it recently received its Rainbow Tick.
The Rainbow Tick is a certification for organisations that recognises a company's dedication to DEI in the workplace.
"To be a good regulator and a good employer, WorkSafe needs to ensure our kaimahi and the communities they serve are reflected in our organisation," said Parkes in a statement.
"By doing this we are better able to address health, wellbeing, and safety issues and support businesses and organisations to do the same."
According to the CEO, the organisation is honoured to demonstrate to its "Rainbow-identifying" whānau what WorkSafe is a "safe, welcoming, and inclusive place to work."
The "Rainbow," according to the Rainbow Tick website, refers to individuals who identify as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatāpui, and intersex community (LGBTTQIA+).
"It's important people are able to bring their whole selves to work, both to ensure they are honoured and respected, and to help them be mentally healthy," said Parkes.
Despite getting accredited, however, the CEO stressed that they would continue their efforts in ensuring the WorkSafe remains a supportive place for different members of the Rainbow community.
"This is one moment in time, acknowledging WorkSafe has met the requirements for accreditation, but it's an ongoing process and we don't stop here," he said. "We want to make sure WorkSafe remains a supportive place for all and we support everyone through our work."
Read more: Cigna becomes latest to earn Rainbow Tick
Receiving the Rainbow Tick accreditation follows a Diversity and Inclusion assessment process, where a workplace is tested if it understands and welcomes sexual and gender diversity.
The certification process includes an evaluation of the organisation's level of LGBTTQIA+ inclusion in the areas of Policies, Staff Training, Staff Engagement & Support, External Engagement, and Monitoring.
Rainbow Tick will also provide a training package customised for the organisation, advice and resources on best practices, a report based on the results of the recommendation, as well as support for managers and team leaders for a plan of action.
Once accredited, organisation may enjoy the following benefits:
- Attracting and retaining good employees
- Brand enhancement
- Legal compliance and risk mitigation
"Getting the Rainbow Tick allows you to show employees, customers and the wider world that you are a progressive, inclusive, and dynamic organisation that reflects the community you are based in," read the Rainbow Tick website.
