Progressive attitudes pay dividends

The Australian Industry Group has worked hard for many years to overcome outdated attitudes to women in the workplace.

“The crucial thing is for employers to find the right people for the right job, regardless of who they are,” Ai Group Chief Executive Bob Herbert says. “It is a simple message – progressive attitudes lead to a stable, committed workforce with all the benefits which flow from that.”

The Ai Group was the first major sponsor of the EOWA awards, believing they can do much to encourage and support women’s advance in the workforce.

Mr Herbert will present an award for the leading CEO for the advancement of women while Heather Ridout, the Ai Group’s deputy chief executive was a member of the judging panel.

“We have always argued that equality in the workplace makes good business sense,” Mr Herbert says.

“That has been the focus of the many successful workshops we have run, in conjunction with EOWA, to help our member companies comply with the requirements of new equal opportunities legislation across Australia.

“It is our focus in the maternity leave debate and it is our focus in promoting diversity in the workplace.

“People are the backbone of any business and employers with enlightened policies are more likely to attract and retain the best at all levels of their organisation,” he said.

“Policies which actively promote diversity in the workplace and take into account the balancing act between life and work which we all must perform is not only good for women, but employers, other stakeholders and ultimately the country as a whole.”

For further information contact
Bob Herbert, Chief Executive 02 9466 5566
0419 301 764

Bill Condie, Media Officer 02 9466 5429
0425 287 644

Australian Industry group website
www.aigroup.asn.au