Alcoa of Australia launches workplace diversity initiative Catalyst for Change

Published: 31/08/2015

Original story posted 08/13/2015 | 01:09am US/Eastern

Employees from across Alcoa’s Western Australian operations made a pledge to support the advancement of women in the workplace at the launch of a global diversity initiative – Catalyst for Change – in Mandurah last week.

Hosted by Pinjarra Refinery Manager Simon Pascoe, the event highlighted the importance of a gender diverse workplace and encouraged employees of all levels to support the successful recruitment, development and retention of women at the company.

“Catalyst for Change is a global initiative and I’m proud that Australia is the first region to launch it to the workforce,” Simon said.

“This initiative offers us all the opportunity to become a leader. We may not all hold the formal title of manager, but by being a Catalyst for Change you can make a stand and lead with your actions towards a more diverse workplace,” he said.

During the event participants heard from Dr Ros Worthington, the 2015 Western Australian of the Year Community Award recipient who presented on the concept of initiating change.

She also joined Alcoa leaders, Michael Parker, incoming President Alcoa Refining and Managing Director Alcoa of Australia; Simon Butterworth, Alcoa Refining Chief Operating Officer; Mal Briggs, Vice President Operations Mining; and Narelle MacFarlane, Manager Recruiting and Consulting, for a panel discussion on workplace diversity.

“We are attracting and recruiting the best people so we need a culture that retains them. We have to foster and develop them.

“It’s the right thing to do. It’s about social and economic justice,” Michael said.

At the end of the event, employees were invited to sign up to become a Catalyst for Change and support the company’s efforts to promote the advancement of women in the workplace.

Alcoa aims to create a work environment that fosters diversity, open communication and continuous learning, community involvement, and work/ life balance.

As part of the company’s strategy to achieve an inclusive work environment – in which all employees are respected, valued and able to contribute – Alcoa has several employee affiliation groups including the Alcoa Women’s Network and EAGLE (Employees at Alcoa for Gay & Lesbian Equality). These groups provide information and resources for employees and serve as support networks for their members. Each group provides information and resources, a support network, and various activities.

To hear more from Alcoa employees on the company’s commitment to diversity and find out how you can start your career with Alcoa visit www.alcoa.com.au/careers.

For more information, visit www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoa and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.

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