Australia is an extremely diverse country, with many different cultures, religions, and beliefs present in everyday life. In addition to these, Australia also has a very strong LGBTI community and just recently, after many years of debate, same-sex marriage was legalised. Medibank is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion and has always supported the LGBTI community.
Jonathan Spiers, Divisional General Manager PHI Portfolio, understands the importance of supporting the LGBTI community, and diversity more broadly both within the business and outside of it.
“To be truly customer-obsessed, our workforce must be reflective of our customers and of our community. The Medibank group, our brands and our businesses need to be relevant to all communities when they engage with us.”
Jonathan with a colleague.
Jonathan says that having a member of the LGBTI community in his extended family has played a major part in his support towards the community. To him, there’s no better way to show support than by making sure it’s evident in his everyday life.
“Embracing diversity in all of its forms promotes tolerance through understanding. To be honest, I think it makes for a more interesting and fun life!”
Medibank employees don’t only have the freedom to be themselves but are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work every single day. It is a company that openly promotes equality in every way, shape, and form.
“Sexual orientation is no one’s business and is irrelevant to people’s capability and capacity to do their work. I’m very proud to work for a company that has shown courage and leadership in supporting the LGBTI community in such a high profile way.”
Jonathan with his extended PHI team.
For Jonathan, it’s important to connect with his team and make sure that they know he is someone they can speak to about things that matter to them. This, he says, is key to promoting diversity and inclusion at Medibank.
“I hope my people-focus encourages the team to be open with me about their needs and how they are feeling. This allows me to support them directly through conversation, flexibility, and understanding.”
For now, Jonathan aims to focus on continuing his advocacy for the LGBTI community, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion at the heart of Medibank.
“If we are going to stand for diversity and inclusion and make it part of our Employee Value Proposition, then we need to tell people about it!”