8 September 2024

Building cultural capability in the workplace

Creating culturally capable workplaces where employees from all backgrounds feel empowered is critical for them to thrive professionally. Take this workplace mentor relationship between Rosemary and Daisie, for example. 
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Image: ISS Aviation Protection officer Daisie at Perth Airport

“By having identified Indigenous positions within the company lets First Nations Candidates know that ISS is dedicated to employing First Nations Peoples,” says Rosemary May, ISS Indigenous Participation & Recruitment Coordinator.

A proud Noongar woman from Wadjuk Country (Perth), Rosemary has spent the last 2 years working with ISS Placemakers at Perth Airport to close the gap for First Nations candidates and streamline employment opportunities for them with ISS.

Her role is key to helping attract, recruit, support, engage and retain First Nations Placemakers, which aligns with ISS’ aspiration as an employer to be the destination of choice for First Nations people.

“Creating a workplace that demonstrates cultural capability, cultural safety and individual support will encourage increased employment and see ISS as a true partner and employer of choice with community.” ISS First Nations Engagement Strategy 2023-2028

Rosemary’s mentorship and guidance are instrumental to the structured employee development program available to First Nations candidates. This upholds each employees’ journey through the roles of Customer Service Attendants, Transport Security Protection, Aviation Protection Officer and beyond.

One of Rosemary’s mentees, ISS Aviation Protection Officer Daisie agrees: “She [Rosemary] has always supported me and mentored me. When I went into the TSP role and I needed support with my online modules and training, she was there to guide me.”

Daisie is a proud Yamatji woman whose career journey has progressed with ISS to her current role as an Aviation Protection Officer (APO). She is also proud to wear an Indigenous uniform at work that represents her culture. An initiative rolled out at her workplace, which means all Indigenous Customer Service Ambassadors (a team that includes (APOs)) can wear the uniform daily. Daisie says, “It shows who you are in the workforce and what you do.”

Every Friday, all ISS staff wear the Indigenous polo shirts and jackets too. For ISS staff in this workplace to be able to share in Culture in this way is a visible contribution to achieving reconciliation.

“Having First Nations leaders within the business creates a sense of belonging and community,” Rosemary explains.

As a Company of Belonging, it is an imperative that all Placemakers should feel confident in ISS’ growing cultural capability. Demonstrating cultural representation in workplaces through the actions and commitment of leaders like Rosemary and Daisie speaks louder than words – ensuring that more trainees can follow a meaningful career path like Daisie’s.

ENDS

About ISS
ISS is a leading workplace experience and facilities management company. With a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide and with more than 15,000 employees across the Pacific, who we call 'Placemakers'. In partnership with customers, ISS drives the engagement and well-being of people, minimises the impact on the environment, and protects and maintains property. ISS brings all of this to life through a unique combination of data, insight and service excellence across Resources, Aviation, Healthcare, Education, Defence and Government sectors.

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For more information about ISS Facility Services Australia and New Zealand see:
LinkedIn: ISS Facility Services Australia and New Zealand 
Website: www.au.issworld.com