Pride of place: Thiess launch LGBTIQA+ support network

Thiess is driving its diversity and inclusion vision of everyone matters always with the launch of Allies, its first LGBTIQA+ Australian support network.

 
Allies aims to connect employees who identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community and is open to anyone who wishes to support their colleagues and learn more about the community.
Allies committee member James Cowin says the workplace network advocates and facilitates a culture of inclusion and respect, regardless of sex, sexuality, gender and expression.
"It’s important to the Allies that everyone feels safe and comfortable to be themselves," James said.
"At Thiess, we are working to create a workplace where respect, value and thoughtfulness towards each person to help them feel empowered and included at work."
As part of Thiess' commitment to an inclusive workplace, Allies aims to create awareness through these four objectives:

- Ensure LGBTIQA+ employees feel safe and supported
- Foster an inclusive culture where everyone including non-LGBTIQA+ employees can be involved to show their support and learn more
- Drive awareness through education, empowering our employees with the knowledge and confidence to challenge bias, speak up against stereotypes and reject intolerance
- Demonstrate Thiess as an inclusive workplace by showing our support for key initiatives within the LGBTIQA+ community.

Launching Allies
To launch Allies, Thiess shared an engaging video that highlighted some of its employees’ personal journeys and encouraged supporters to become an ally.

Following the launch of the video, Thiess celebrated Allies across its Australian projects, offices and workshops.
The internal events encouraged employees to start a conversation, accept and respect people for who they are.