Own Different.
Downer comprises of over 30,000 unique individuals, each bringing different preferences, perspectives, histories, and heritages.
We differ in our thinking, actions, and the unique value we contribute to Downer. These differences are our greatest strength, and we celebrate this through ‘Own Different’.
‘Own Different’ highlights Downer’s culture of inclusion, acceptance, engagement, and encouragement across our diverse workforce. Through ‘Own Different” we aim to build confidence and ambition in our people by celebrating their uniqueness.
For Downer, diversity encompasses all the differences in how people identify. This includes social identity (such as age, caring responsibilities, cultural background, disability status, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, and socio-economic background) and professional identity (such as profession, education, work experiences, organisational level, functional area, business unit, or line of business, and location). Everyone’s unique combination of these aspects shapes their worldview and workplace interactions, influencing how they perceive others and are perceived in return.
By celebrating our diversity and embracing our differences, we are fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong and can bring their whole selves to work every day. At Downer, ‘Own Different’ is synonymous with diversity and is the foundation of our Inclusion and Belonging Strategy.
To learn more about Inclusion & Belonging at Downer click here.
Our focus areas
Downer is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for employees of all genders, supporting them in reaching their full potential by fostering an inclusive work environment. This commitment positions Downer as a preferred employer of choice.
We recognise the unique challenges faced by different genders, particularly women, in fulfilling their roles within the organisation and our industry.
Our focus remains on improving gender balance in traditionally male-dominated areas, including trade roles, middle management, and senior management.
Downer is still progressing towards its medium-term gender diversity targets by 2026 which include:
40% of women in the workforce
25% of women in management positions
28% of women in executive positions; and
40% women on the Board.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Downer envisions a future where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are treated equally, and their cultures and histories are celebrated and respected. These communities are essential to achieving positive outcomes and legacies in the areas where we operate. We are committed to enhancing Downer’s cultural competence and capability, ensuring we are an organisation that respects Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and fostering cultural awareness within our workforce are critical to building relationships founded on trust and respect.
Māori Peoples
Downer’s vision (matawhānui) is to create an environment where Māori thrive, benefiting our people, whānau (family), communities, business, and country. Our goals are to elevate the potential of our current and future workforce, foster strong relationships with Iwi and Māori organisations, enhance understanding of Māori tikanga and Te Reo across the organisation, and advocate for the development of Māori and the recognition of tangata whenua in our industries and communities.
We believe that a diverse workforce fosters an environment where innovation, creativity, and productivity can flourish. Diversity brings a wealth of different thoughts, perspectives, and experiences, enhancing our overall capability. We recognise that everyone contributes to our inclusion journey, with each unique perspective offering valuable opportunities for learning and growth.
Our commitment to inclusion supports minority and underrepresented groups, helping them thrive in the workplace, feel a sense of belonging, and bring their whole selves to work.
Inclusion covers: LGBTQIA+, Neurodiversity, Cultural and Linguistic diversity and Generational diversity.
Downer's commitment to inclusion and future focus
Our future vision is one where Downer’s culture is truly reflective of the communities we live and operate in. A culture in which every employee feels respected, valued and comfortable to own their difference.
Our people are our most important asset, and we will continue to invest in policies, awareness and education initiatives around our Key Focus Areas, ensuring all people have access to opportunities to develop and advance – personally and professionally.
Downer is a proud WGEA Pay Equity Ambassador and continues to be compliant by meeting its reporting obligations. Read our Workplace Gender Equality Agency reports here.
We support all types of families with our inclusive parental leave policy, which available to eligible parents when they welcome a child into their family by birth, surrogacy or adoption.
Policies, partnerships and reports
Downer has meaningful relationships and partnerships with a range of organisations committed to equality in the workplace, including:
- Amotai
- Australian Government Department of Defence
- Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation
- Australian Disability Network
- Diversity Works NZ
- NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction)
- Pride in Diversity
- Reconciliation Australia
- Pride Pledge
- Supply Nation
- Work180 - Endorsed Employers for Women
- Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA)
- Professional Women's Network
- Australian Association of Graduate Employers
- Australian Human Resources Institute
- Diversity Council of Australia
Our Indigenous partners
Downer acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and the Traditional Custodians across Australia. We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders of the past, present and future in maintaining the culture, country and their spiritual connection to the land.
