Own Different.
At Downer, our approach to diversity is what sets us apart. Our people can be their best by bringing their most authentic selves to work every day.
Downer is made up of more than 33,000 people who are all different. Different preferences and perspectives. Different histories and heritages. We are different in the way we think, the actions we take and the unique value we contribute to Downer and it’s these differences that are Downer’s greatest strength.
Creating an environment where all individuals are treated equitably, fairly and respectfully is important. This environment enables and empowers people to access opportunities, develop personally and professionally and fully contribute to our organisation’s success.
In reflecting the communities we live, work and play in, we strive to cultivate a culture of inclusion at Downer that celebrates all differences, enabling all people to feel a sense of belonging.
To learn more about Inclusion & Belonging at Downer click here.
Our focus areas
Downer is committed to improving opportunities for employees of all genders to reach their potential through an inclusive work environment, while positioning Downer as a preferred employer of choice.
We acknowledge that females working in predominantly male-dominated industries face various challenges as part of their work environment. Downer is working on new and strategic initiatives to improve this representation across the organisation.
Downer acknowledges that Australia and New Zealand are among the most culturally diverse countries in the world. We are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and recognises the value of our diverse workforce. Our behaviours and interactions are founded on mutual respect where all people, communities and cultures are recognised, valued and celebrated. We are all different – and we own our difference.
Click here to learn more about our people and their stories.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Downers’ vision for reconciliation is one where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are treated equally in all relationships and their cultures and histories are celebrated and respected.
We are committed to continue increasing Downer’s cultural competency, knowledge, and capability, and being an organisation that demonstrates leadership and respects Indigenous communities right across Australia.
Through our Indigenous Engagement team, we support, inform, and partner with Business Units to help them understand the importance of cultural heritage, cultural protocols and various ways that Downer can contribute to closing the gap towards true reconciliation. This team works with community leaders, employees and recognised Aboriginal businesses to develop plans that deliver work through sustainable employment and subcontractor opportunities.
Māori cultural diversity
In New Zealand, Downer’s Māori culture and development programs are highly visible demonstrations of our genuine commitment to supporting cultural diversity.
Downer’s New Zealand business has implemented a key strategic initiative to embrace our Aotearoa heritage and culture and to integrate aspects of Te Reo (Māori language) and Tikanga (Māori customs and traditions) into our daily interactions with our people, customers and business partners.
Learn more about our work in New Zealand.
Our partnerships
Our policies
Downer is committed to building a diverse workforce that recognises the skills and abilities of people of all ages. A multi-generational workforce creates learning opportunities for our people to share best-practice knowledge, gain valuable insights on different perspectives and build an engaged and healthy talent pipeline. Downer continues to increase its talent pipeline by implementing initiatives that attract and engage graduates, apprentices and cadets.
We support employees across age groups and generations. We are recognised as an organisation that builds a talent pipeline of thought leaders and values the experience and knowledge of all employees. With more than 40 per cent of our employees over 42 years old, we recognise the importance of ensuring that all generations within our workforce are recognised and that we adapt to meet the needs they have.
Downer has targeted strategies to support our employees at various stages of their career, this includes our flexible work practice enabling our workforce to phase to retirement, take on part-time opportunities or adjust working hours to meet their lifestyle choices.
Our generational diversity focus
Downer aims to create a welcoming and safe environment where all employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and other diverse genders, sexes and sexualities feel comfortable and supported to bring their whole selves to work.
We seek to provide an environment where employees are not afraid of being bullied or harassed because of their identity and sexual orientation, and are committed to increasing awareness, understanding and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community in the workplace.
We believe that people living with disabilities and neurodiverse individuals have the right to be fully participating members of our society, on an equal basis with everyone.
Downer will continue to develop a culture of support, inclusion and belonging for people with both visible and non-visible disabilities. We acknowledge and understand that employees do not always feel comfortable disclosing that they have a disability. We want to ensure that we are creating a supportive, accessible and inclusive environment, where all employees have adequate resources to thrive and fully contribute to their own success and the success of their team at Downer.
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 is proud to partner with a range of organisations committed to equality in the workplace, including:
- 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.
