Diversity Council Australia names JLL on 2024-2025 Inclusive Employer list

SYDNEY, 20 November 2024 – Global real estate services firm JLL has been recognised by Diversity Council Australia (DCA) in its list of Inclusive Employers for 2024-2025.

DCA announced its 2024-2025 Inclusive Employers list to mark the start of Inclusion at Work Week on Monday, 18 November. The Inclusive Employer Index is an annual survey developed by DCA in partnership with Diversity Atlas to measure employee diversity and inclusion experiences in the workplace.

Kara Collins, JLL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead - Australia and New Zealand, said JLL had been recognised for not only creating a workplace where all staff felt valued and supported, but also for performing above the benchmark average in every reporting area, including Team Inclusion, Management Inclusion and Organisational Climate.

“This is welcome recognition of our progress in a focal area that is multi-faceted and ever-evolving. Inclusion and the sense of belonging at work are something that’s shaped by a myriad of contributing factors, such as the physical environment, socioeconomics and culture, right through to the feeling of psychological safety. It’s something that is entirely different to every person.

“What this means for organisations is that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ template to roll out in creating and nurturing an inclusive organisation.

“So, for JLL, which has always been a people-focused organisation, it’s about meeting people where and who they are.”

Julie Skinner, JLL’s Head of Human Resources - Australasia, said DCA’s 2024-2025 Inclusive Employer Index survey drew responses from more than 800 members of JLL’s 3800-strong local workforce.

“Our business leaders and wider JLL community can be very proud of these positive results, which align with the inclusive culture we build every day. Moving forward, we will continue to champion new initiatives and inspire our teams and clients through implementing our current strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan towards an even more inclusive workplace.”

Dan Kernaghan, JLL’s CEO - Australia and New Zealand, noted it took a conscious and committed effort to create and nurture a genuinely diverse and inclusive workforce.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is the buy-in we’ve had from across the wider JLL community, at both a team and an individual level. Looking ahead, we see incredible opportunities for progress and growth, and we look forward to embracing the challenge and continuing to raise the bar.”

The opportunity is one that excites Kara, who leads regular training across topics such as disability and Indigenous culture and looks to horizons such as the evolving acknowledgement of neurodiversity.

“We are very proud of our achievements to date, but recognising the ongoing work required to create opportunities to demonstrate incremental improvement.”

The Inclusive Employer Index measures employee diversity and inclusion experiences in the workplace. To be named on the Inclusive Employers list, organisations must exceed the National Index Benchmark across at least five of its key areas: awareness, engagement, inclusive organisational climate, inclusive leadership, inclusive team, and exclusion.

DCA CEO Lisa Annese congratulated this year’s Inclusive Employers for showing their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces where employees in all their diversity could thrive.

“DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index is an opportunity to celebrate the companies that are driving real change and inspiring others to follow their lead.”

“It’s an evidence-based process that reveals the state of inclusion and diversity across participating organisations. Recognition as an Inclusive Employer means your organisation is doing the necessary work to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.”