Diversity and Inclusion
At Telstra, we are diverse and we are inclusive. Given the breadth of careers we have, and the size of company we are, it’s little wonder we have such a diverse team. At Telstra, you could be working with people from over 25 different cultures and backgrounds and who range in age from 18 to 77. In our company, diversity includes differences of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation and cultural background. It also includes differences in thinking styles, background and life experience, communication styles, personal skills, education, functional expertise and problem solving skills.
We have a Diversity Council that is chaired by our CEO and that has been in place since 2006.
We focus on contributing to the achievement of Telstra's strategic objectives by driving initiatives in the three areas of Our Customers, Our Communities and Our People.
This means:
- leveraging diversity to drive business results;
- enhancing our reputation; and
- attracting, recruiting, engaging and retaining a diverse team of talented people at Telstra.
Having a diverse range of employees better enables us to provide the best in service to our customers. It enables us to foster greater innovation, stronger problem solving capability, greater customer connection, increased morale, motivation and engagement.
You can find out more about our
approach and policies on Diversity and Inclusion on the Telstra website.
Within this holistic framework, we also have some specific programs in the areas of Gender Equality, Indigenous, GLBTI Inclusion, Disability and Work Life Flexibility.
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Telstra is one of Australia's largest users of solar power, with 10,639 solar powered sites including exchanges, radio terminals, small repeater stations and payphones.
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Gender equality
Our approach to gender equality at Telstra is ground breaking – it involves both women and men in creating an inclusive environment so that Telstra is a great place to work. We have innovative programs for both women and men to drive gender inclusion and build a great culture. In the community, Telstra men, including our CEO, are Ambassadors and supporters of the White Ribbon Foundation to eliminate violence against women. We have an active Gender Equality Network of Telstra women and men to really drive the importance of working together and supporting gender equality.
In 2010, Telstra was the first Australian company to win the prestigious Catalyst Award, recognising the significant increase in female representation in Telstra’s middle management over recent years, the ongoing reduction in our gender pay equity gap and the improvement of female representation in our executive succession plans.
Indigenous programs
Our Indigenous programs are guided by Telstra’s Reconciliation Action Plan, which was launched by our CEO in Yirrkala, East Arnhem Land on 31 March 2010.
As one of Australia's major employers, Telstra is well placed to provide opportunities for Indigenous Australians while improving our capability to meet the needs of our customers. We also have an active and supportive Indigenous Employees’ Network.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Inclusion
GLBTI inclusion is critical to making sure that Telstra remains an employer of choice, and also takes a leading role among Australian companies in promoting inclusive work practices that help us deliver great customer service and remain a part of the communities in which we operate.
We have a GLBTI employees' network, "Spectrum" and a GLBTI-specific mentoring program for Telstra employees. We support GLBTI community issues like Australian Marriage Equality and activities like the AIDS Trust, and are the first Australian company to sponsor Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham, who remains a Telstra Ambassador. Telstra is also among the small group of companies to be Foundation Members of "Pride in Diversity" - Australia's first and only not-for-profit workplace program designed specifically to assist Australian employers with the inclusion of GLBTI employees.
People with a Disability and their Carers
Telstra has great products to help all people connect and live their lives their way. Our employees also have access to a great range of products that means sensory, physical or other disabilities are no barrier to great performance at work. We ensure our managers are well aware of the needs of the people in their team with disabilities and are equipped to provide equitable opportunities to them.
We partner with the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) so we can support candidates with a disability to have great careers at Telstra. If you apply for a role with Telstra and let us know that you have special needs, we will work with our partners to make sure that you are supported through our recruitment processes and given the best chance of success. Our commitment to reasonable adjustment also means that any support you need to undertake inherent requirements of the job will be put in place in line with our legal obligations to do so. You can apply for a role at Telstra on our website, or contact NDRC directly to get support to apply for roles at Telstra by calling 1800 464 800.
Find out more about Customer and Community initiatives for people living with a disability and their carers.
Work-life flexibility
Telstra has a leading approach to flexible work practices that go beyond basic requirements, and enable our people to deliver great service to our customers and maintain a healthy balance between work and other activities and interests.
Our policies require managers to consider all requests for flexible work, respond within a specified period and provide written advice of a refusal with clear reasons. To continually encourage flexibility we collect and promote positive examples abour successful work practices at Telstra.
"Having a diverse and talented team of people throughout Telstra is fundamental to our success. Diversity of ideas, gender, background, culture and age provides balance and generates innovation”
David Thodey, CEO Telstra
Chair - Telstra Diversity Council