Telstra is one of the largest employers in Australia with a diverse workforce. We are proud that we provide a rewarding, fair and safe workplace. Not only are we proud, we believe that this is one of our corporate responsibilities.
People are the power behind Telstra. A company can have great products, services, technology and processes, but in the end it's the people that bring these things together and deliver success.
Telstra continues to engage, retain and develop employees by respecting individual differences and developing an environment that is inclusive. We recognise that everyone is different and that creating an environment that values this difference makes good business sense.
Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunities
By valuing diversity of background and diverse ways of working and thinking, we ensure that we attract the best people and provide the best opportunity for success. This valuing of diversity is integrated into the way we approach all areas and aspects of our work from leadership, performance and talent management through to business planning, strategic initiatives and reward systems.
Each of our business operations has an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity Champion Network. These networks aim to develop, maintain and execute Diversity and EEO initiatives across the company.
Telstra is committed to providing flexible working arrangements and work/life and family initiatives to help our employees and their families achieve greater balance in their lives.
During 2005-06, our diversity and EEO initiatives have helped support:
- an increase in the number of women in executive management of 24.6 per cent, in senior management of 2.61 per cent and in middle management of 1 per cent
- an increase of employees accessing part-time employment in middle management of 14.31 per cent, and a three-fold increase in senior management
- the recruitment of CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) employees increased by 26.92 per cent in senior management, 5.02 per cent in middle management and 4.04 per cent in operational roles.
Staff support
Telstra also provides a wide range of leave to support our employees and the things that they wish to do for their families, the community and themselves. This includes:
- Blood donors leave - to donate blood, on a regular or emergency basis, when the employee is registered with the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service or another similar body
- Defence force and reservists leave - to support employees to fulfil their mandatory service requirements with the Australian Defence Force
- Cultural leave - to assist employees in fulfilling their significant cultural beliefs and religious holidays
- Natural or civil disaster leave - to assist employees who need to immediately protect their homes when natural disasters strike
- First response volunteer leave – to support those who volunteer to provide critical services required for the protection of life and property, such as the Country Fire Authority or St Johns Ambulance.
Occupational Health and Safety
Telstra recognises that the health and safety of our employees is critical to our ongoing success and the well being of our people. We are committed to providing safe workplaces where everyone is supported and encouraged to make a real difference to health and safety.
We offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to enhance the well being of employees and the corporation. The EAP provides professional counseling and advisory services via an independent company staffed by qualified psychologists and social workers. The services are fully funded by Telstra and are free of charge to Telstra employees and their families. All information is treated as confidential and in accordance with Telstra's Privacy guidelines.
Telstra also has mental health, well being and resilience programs. These programs are designed to raise awareness of these issues and provide information and resources across the full spectrum of an employee's life.
