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Strength in diversity

3D Diversity Equity Inclusion and belonging DEIB written on table

Research shows that diversity brings a range of experiences and perspectives that drives ideas and innovation. We are all individuals, different people need different things to flourish. When people feel accepted and supported they can be their best self. Everybody wins.

What is diversity and inclusion?

Diverse and inclusive workplaces help people feel safe, respected and able to do their best work. They also help small businesses attract staff, keep good people and come up with new ideas.

Diversity is about what makes each of us unique and includes our backgrounds, personality, life experiences and beliefs, all of the things that make us who we are. Being a diverse workplace is about recognising, respecting and valuing differences based on ethnicity, gender, age, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation

Inclusion is making sure everyone has a fair chance to take part, feels valued and can contribute their ideas, not just “fitting in”. True inclusion requires the recognition that some individuals have different needs, and that these needs won’t be met within systems that assume everyone is the same.

How you can show support

Ongoing learning about diversity helps your business grow. Regularly building your understanding of different experiences makes it easier to spot barriers and improve how you support your team.

  • Keep an open mind and look for chances to learn about people with different backgrounds and needs.​  Use this information to support a diverse workforce.
  • Use free employer resources on equal opportunity, flexible work and inclusive hiring, such as WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkWell toolkit.​
  • Ask your staff what helps them feel welcome and what gets in the way, and listen carefully to their suggestions.​
  • Include diversity and inclusion topics in team meetings, inductions and manager training so learning becomes part of everyday work.​
  • Review your workplace policies, website and job ads regularly to check they use inclusive language and encourage a wide range of applicants.​
  • Encourage managers and staff to complete the free Diversity and discrimination course from the Fair Work Ombudsman, which explains how to promote diversity and prevent discrimination at work.​

What is an ally? An ally is often defined as someone who is not a member of a marginalised group but wants to support and take action to help others in that group. Allyship in the workplace is crucial for inclusion and equality.

  • Speak up if you see exclusion or discrimination, rather than staying silent.

  • Acknowledge difficult events that may affect staff, show empathy and remind people about support options.​

  • Encourage respectful conversations where people can share different views without personal attacks, and use clear, plain language to keep messages calm and easy to understand, following guidance like the Plain Language and Word Choice Guide.​

Use inclusive language

  • Remember that language that feels fine with friends might not be OK at work. Avoid stereotypes and “jokes” that target a group.

  • Be open to feedback and willing to change words or phrases that make others uncomfortable.

  • If you are unsure which terms to use, ask the person, or check guidance from trusted organisations.​

Respect names and pronouns

  • You can’t always know someone’s gender or pronouns by looking at them.

  • Asking and using the right pronouns (such as she, he, they) is a simple way to show respect and support gender diverse and non‑binary people. Top five principles for Inclusive language.​

  • Build links with local gender equality or women’s health organisations for advice and support.
  • Add simple gender equality checks to your policies, budgets, projects and community feedback. The Pay Equality Toolkit, developed by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve pay equality in their workplace.​
  • Make it easy for staff and customers to raise concerns about gender inequality and explain how complaints are handled, using ideas from the2026 gender equality action plan (GEAP) guidance.​

Showing your support can be simple and visible. Small signs and symbols can quickly tell staff and customers that your business is a safe, welcoming place for many different people.

  • Use flags, badges, stickers or door signs to show that your business welcomes diversity, including LGBTQIA+ communities.
  • Add “LGBTQ‑friendly” and “Transgender Safe Space” attributes to your Google Business profile so people can see your support online as well as in person.
  • Join the Welcome Here Project to access a member pack with resources and stickers that show your business supports LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
  • Consider displaying the Australian Aboriginal Flag and other culturally significant symbols, where appropriate, to show respect for First Nations peoples and culture.

Use Acknowledgement of Country stickers or decals, such as:

Sign up for the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s free ‘Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere’ membership to receive stickers that show parents and carers they are welcome in your space.

Is your business a place where everyone feels welcome? These support organisation will help you inform and guide your business to be more actively involved.

    • Australian Disability Network (ADN) – Employer-led network helping businesses build disability confidence through training, reviews, and resources.

    • Diversity Council Australia (DCA) – National body providing research, tools, and programs to advance workplace diversity and inclusion.

    • Reconciliation Australia (RAP program) – Supports organisations to develop Reconciliation Action Plans for First Nations inclusion.

    • Transgender Victoria – Advocacy and training to support trans and gender-diverse inclusion in workplaces.

This information is general in nature and does not take into account the specific needs of your business. It is not legal or professional advice. Consider seeking advice tailored to your situation.

illustration of people being inclusive and hugging each other

Find more information about Accessibility and Inclusion

Inclusive businesses reach more customers, foster innovation, and build stronger, more resilient teams. Accessibility isn’t just compliance—it’s opportunity.

Content updated January 2026

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