Optus champions diversity & celebrates with LGBTQIA+ communities

As Sydney celebrates Mardi Gras 2024 with the world, we reflect on the proud tradition of diversity and inclusion at Optus.

Optus is a proud partner of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras since 2022 and again in 2024.  We’ve also partnered with Sydney WorldPride 2023; and continue our longstanding partnership with Mardi Gras Film Festival.

In 2021 we formally established our Diversity Employee Networks, an employee-led initiative that brings people together with shared identities, along with their allies. This included our LGBTQIA+ network, Express Yourself, whose purpose is to create an Optus where our people can express themselves by bringing their true selves to work.

As a testimony to the organisation’s commitment to diversity, Optus recently gained Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Bronze Status.  The AWEI is the definitive national benchmark that measures workplaces on their LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

According to Matt Smith, Deputy Chair of our Express Yourself Committee and People & Culture Manager at Optus “AWEI is the largest and most comprehensive comparative benchmark to measure LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace in Australia. Optus works hand in hand with our partner Pride in Diversity to ensure we reflect best practice in this field.

“Accreditation is a rigorous process which ensures that employers are taking genuine measures to be inclusive.

“As part of our continuous improvement processes, we have reviewed our people policies to ensure they are inclusive in terms of terminology and the benefits provided. We have also introduced inclusion statements that have been reflected on our website and intranet, Espresso,” Mr Smith continues.

“We've reviewed all the language end-to-end on our intranet site, to make sure that any language used is inclusive for all of our people. I was happy to say there was actually very little change to be made on this.

“Significant improvements have also been made in education with the provision of a range of LGBTQIA+ awareness training courses.

“We've run a number of training sessions, for example around awareness for both staff and leaders as well as the use of appropriate pronouns.

“Importantly, we also revised our dress code guidelines for our frontline staff as well as guidance for all employees to ensure flexibility and inclusion. This has ensured our people are guided to select clothing or uniform options that align with their gender identity or expression as well as cultural identity and/or heritage.

“This is supported by a knowledge article on our internal HR portal for anyone who wants to know more about our dress code.

“We are also proud of our gender affirmation guidelines which are designed to be employee-led and provide guidance to employees and leaders in support of any of our people going through an affirmation journey. Paid leave options are available for our people affirming their gender,” Mr Smith says.

Optus has created a culture that truly enables its people to be themselves. This is reflected in regular employee-based events, forums and hubs which include channels for diversity and inclusion. This includes communication tools such as Viva Engage and MyHub, a frontline communication channel to discuss common interests.

“We also have an internal site and learning channel launched for our people which includes details to contact our Express Yourself Committee directly as well as resources like a pronoun and ally guide, FAQs and learning resources," he says.

"At Optus, we’re focused on fostering a welcoming, inclusive and diverse work-culture. Our differences make us stronger. It’s what we all have in common. It’s the power of inclusivity that drives our innovation and realises what’s possible for our customers."

Great things happen when we lift each other up.
Here's to saying yes — or yasssss — to being your authentic self.

Find out more about diversity and inclusion at Optus.