Look back at how PRH AU implemented social impact initiatives in 2022.
Diversity and inclusion have always been pillars of the work we do at Penguin Random House AU (PRH AU), but in 2022 this focus felt stronger than ever.
Looking back, we are proud to see how many departments and individuals across the business prioritised these values through training, policy changes and fundraising. Read on to see what we did in 2022 and learn more about how we’re working to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Public Holiday Leave transfer policy change
PRH AU introduced a policy change allowing staff to work on an Australian-recognised public holiday (with the exception of the Christmas and New Year period) and swap it for a day of their choosing. This policy change allows staff, regardless of background, to celebrate another culturally significant day that is important to them.
Diversity 101 training
In partnership with Diversity Council Australia, PRH AU continued Diversity 101 training, with all staff across PRH and United Book Distributors completing the course. This was an important first step in bringing the company together to have a common understanding of what diversity and inclusion mean.
The demand for training in the various aspects of diversity and inclusion is immense, and the quality and suitability of training programs are varied. However, PRH is committed to investigating and sourcing training options that suit the needs of our people and business and will continue to work in this area.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
In 2022, PRH AU developed our Reflect RAP with the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned consultancy firm, Two Point Co. In prioritising a RAP at PRH AU, we hope to show support and commitment to First Nations peoples while contributing to the meaningful advancement of reconciliation within Australia.
Our RAP has been accredited, making PRH AU a recognised member of the RAP network.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)
Our partnership with the ILF was stronger than ever in 2022, and in 2023 we will donate another $100,000 to the foundation, with contributions from employee-based initiatives, including book sales, baking days and more. In 2022, staff members volunteered for Indigenous Literacy Day events and supported Christmas wrapping for the ILF.
Initiatives supporting Indigenous peoples
Throughout 2022, PRH AU celebrated Indigenous peoples and made changes to align our values to our RAP. These include:
- Celebrating NAIDOC Week
- Renaming meeting rooms in our Melbourne Southbank office to reflect the language of traditional owners of the land, in consultation with Elders of local Wurundjeri people
- Installing permanent Acknowledgement of Country plaques at each office
- Printing an Acknowledgement of Country in all of our local books
- Recording an Acknowledgement of Country statement on our local audiobooks
- Procuring paper, office supplies and catering from Indigenous-owned businesses
Diversity and Inclusion Survey
To gather staff input on diversity and inclusion, staff participated in a survey to create a better overview of our workplace and the incredible people within it.
The survey responses highlighted diversity within PRH AU, including age distribution, nationality, language diversity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and many other factors. Moving forward, PRH AU will compare the results with Census data to identify areas for improvement to best reflect the diverse nature of Australia.
Partnerships
Story Factory
We have worked with Story Factory since 2011, and 2022 marked another successful year in our partnership. Continuing the momentum, PRH AU has committed to increasing our contribution to Story Factory to $30,000 to provide funding for internships, work experience placements and novella programs.
In 2022, PRH AU welcomed two interns and work experience students to work at the North Sydney office – an initiative we hope to continue for years to come.
The Afro-Australian Student Organisation (AASO)
PRH AU continued to work with AASO to assist African and African-Australian students in Australia in improving academic, professional, and personal development.
Wear it Purple Day
Wear it Purple Day was celebrated across PRH AU offices to raise funds and show support to rainbow young people in line with the theme 'Still Me, Still Human'.
Learn more about PRH AU's Social Impact, here.
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