The law firm becomes the first to hit AWEI Platinum Employer status
Clayton Utz has introduced an online toolkit to promote LGBTIQ workplace inclusion in line with its Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Project.
The Platinum Project seeks to improve inclusion in the workplace especially with remote working now the norm. The toolkit provides employees with resources and tools aimed at bolstering mental health and wellbeing.
The Platinum Project’s completion makes it the first law firm to reach AWEI Platinum Employer status, the firm explained. CEP Bruce Cooper added that the toolkit “reflects the progress we're making in our efforts to promote LGBTIQ inclusion, which will continue to be a key focus of our diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
The five focal areas of the Platinum Project toolkit are mental health, coming out at work, career progression, inclusive leadership and effective allyship, and gender diversity. The toolkit was developed in the wake of research results revealing that the LGBTIQ community encounters disproportionate levels of mental distress, Clayton Utz said.
“At the heart of the toolkit are personal stories from our own people who identify as LGBTIQ, as well as tip sheets, advice from leading organisations, and carefully curated links to external sites and support,” the firm explained.
Cooper added, “I acknowledge and thank the many people who contributed their time, research and stories to help us develop the toolkit, which we hope our LGBTIQ community – and also our wider workforce – will find a valuable source of support in addition to our existing programs and initiatives.”
