Organiations and teams who encourage the employment and inclusion of gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) can be recognised and rewarded for their initiatives in the 2009 Diversity@Work Awards.

IBM was a previous winner awarded for their polices to support and employ GLBTI workers at the 2008 awards gala dinner.

“IBM’s commitment to diversity and inclusion gives us access to the brightest and best in the workplace,” Communications - Corporate, Brand and Values Team spokesperson Barbara Fonianis said. “It engenders loyalty, genuine commitment and engagement, helps to build our reputation for good corporate citizenship, and enables us to compete more effectively in the marketplace. IBM is proud of the progress we have made in promoting empowerment for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people in Australia for over 10 years. Our success in creating an open and welcoming environment - regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression – has allowed us to attract new talent to advance our business.”

Diversity@Work CEO Mark Heaysman says employers across Australia must do more to give people from diverse backgrounds a fair go and these awards recognised businesses which are making a real difference.

“It is disappointing that a lot of businesses across Australia do not have a strategy in place to employ people of different backgrounds. These awards are a reminder to every organisation throughout the country to step up. Businesses which celebrate and embrace diversity can make a real difference in the community,” Mr Heaysman said.

Organisations from across Australia are encouraged to nominate for one of the eleven awards in the 2009 Diversity@Work Awards. Categories also include the employment and inclusion of people with a disability; culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, Indigenous Australians; mature age workers; women in leadership; youth; work/life balance and three champion awards.

Nominations are open until Friday 7 August 2009.
The 2009 Awards are proudly sponsored by: Silver Sponsors – Australia Post and the Australian
Government Department of Health and Ageing. Bronze Sponsors – AMES, Department of Transport, Mercy Health, Ranstad, SageCo and Victoria Police.
For further information visit www.diversityatwork.com.au/awards

Tags: bisexual, equal rights, equality, gay, lesbian, transgender