Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) help transform our company and our society. At Edelman, we empower our workforce to bring all of who they are to work to help shape cultural movements and moments for the clients we serve.
We know that inclusion and equitable opportunity for people of all backgrounds enhance our culture and deliver stronger business results. Regardless of who you are—your gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or ability—you are welcome at Edelman, and we believe a truly representative workforce will produce more meaningful campaigns that resonate more deeply with our clients' increasingly diverse audiences. Our commitment to DE&I enables us to provide innovative, creative and authentic solutions, which are central to who we are and what we do at Edelman.
Our organisational values guide everything we do—the relentless pursuit of excellence, freedom to be constantly curious and courage to do the right thing. As a family-owned firm, inclusion is a natural extension of these values. That is why we are committed to maintaining an open and nurturing environment that fosters collaboration, drives diverse thinking among our employees and partners, and creates a culture that respects and celebrates DE&I inside the walls of our agency and within the different communities where our clients operate.
We've created several ongoing efforts to create a work environment where DEI are woven into our culture, behaviours, processes and operations with a focus on employee networks, training, recruitment and partnerships, among other initiatives. Our global DE&I Council helps to inform our firm-wide strategy and implement in their regions.
Our Cultural Competency training is tailored to our local business and is required for each member of our Australian workforce. The goal is to ensure each employee has the knowledge and tools to help them in creating a more inclusive work environment and culture. Additionally, training in Unconscious Bias and Inclusive Leadership are required for all members of staff.
Edelman has taken a stand on its journey to become an anti-racist firm through holding global employee discussions around cultural touchstone moments such as the ongoing efforts to fight systemic racism to encourage dialogue and drive understanding, as well as continued education from external speakers.
Reconciliation
Here in Australia, we recognise that Edelman and the communications industry play an important role in supporting the Reconciliation movement in Australia. In 2021, Edelman Australia partnered with Reconciliation Australia to develop its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). In working toward a reconciled society, we believe that as professional storytellers and communicators, our team holds a position of influence, and our RAP underpins our commitment to put that influence to work, driving real change within our business and across our industry.
Employee Networks
Edelman Australia hosts local chapters of global Employee Network groups, which serve as vehicles to build an internal community in which employees can share, learn and grow—professionally and personally. These groups are the catalyst for helping our employees create a community within the larger Edelman family. Through the work of the networks, our employees play an active role in acknowledging, celebrating and educating fellow colleagues about diverse cultures, ideals and beliefs. In Australia, these groups are:
Global Women’s Equality Network (GWEN)
Edelman’s Global Women’s Equality Network (GWEN) is an internal initiative with a mission to continue to foster an environment where women of all backgrounds can enjoy equal opportunities to grow, lead and succeed in and beyond Edelman. Since inception in 2011, our goal has been to achieve gender parity within our firm’s most senior levels. As we continue working toward our goal sustainably and inclusively, we are committed to providing opportunities, access and growth for women across all career levels at Edelman.
Edelman Equal
Edelman Equal is our network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender employees and their Allies (LGBTA). The mission of Edelman Equal is to inspire a diverse and inclusive environment that enables LGBT employees to be their authentic selves and drives forward the firm's business within the context of an evolving global society. Through this effort, we focus on employee advocacy, business development and organisational culture.