On Wednesday, Transdev leaders and its broader ally network shared their inclusion and acceptance experiences at Transdev’s Sydney Light Rail Randwick Depot.
A panel session heard moving personal stories and lived experiences from leaders and focused on how individuals and organisations could be proactive allies and championing LGBTQ+ communities.
Transdev CEO Brian Brennan said Transdev supported Wear it Purple Day because action was needed to help younger workers.
“Studies show rainbow people at work are often at higher risk of mental health issues and bullying,” Mr Brennan said.
“We all need a sense of belonging – to feel part of something, particularly young people.
“Transdev supports a safe, empowering and inclusive workplace. It’s ok to be yourself at work and that means embracing difference regardless of sexuality, gender identity or intersex status.
“It’s why we’re rolling out Respect at Work training for all our frontline and office staff before year’s end across Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s also why Transdev has our internal Pride Network, partners with Pride in Diversity and has inclusive policies, because we support difference.
“Diversity makes us stronger by backing our people to be more innovative and better equipped to serve our communities.”
Diversity Panel members Darren Otten, Executive Director Employer Services at employment services providers Asuria, and Zachary Lopez, Relationship Manager at Pride in Diversity, joined Transdev’s Xavier Atkinson, Pride Network Chair, and Dimity Smith, Chief People & Culture Officer.
Transdev Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Talent Acquisition Manager Nicole Norris said Transdev was taking steps to be better allies and move to an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) silver accreditation, from its current Bronze tier status.
The AWEI recognition is the definitive best-practice national benchmark for workplace inclusion of LGBTQ+.