EY joins the Equality at Work Employer Network
EY joins the Equality at Work Employer Network to deliver a pilot program focused on delivering supports for neurodivergent employees.
Summary
The Australian Human Rights Commission is excited to welcome Ernst and Young Australia (EY Australia) to the Equality at Work Employer Network.
EY and Equality at Work
As one of the largest professional services firms, EY Australia has shown their strong commitment to equality for people with disability in the workplace through initiatives like its Accessibility and Inclusion Plan, person-centred Workplace Adjustment Process, a thriving Ability network of over 1,600 members and its Neuro Inclusion Strategy.
Together, the Commission and EY Australia will develop and implement a Pilot Employment Program focused on enhancing inclusive systems and supports for neurodivergent employees.
Building neuro-inclusive workplaces
As many as 1 in 5 people globally are neurodivergent, yet workplace systems, processes and environments can unintentionally create barriers to neuro-inclusion.
Jenelle McMaster, EY Regional Deputy CEO and People and Culture Leader, Oceania said:
'At the EY organisation, we believe that inclusion is about seeing and celebrating the strengths that neurodivergent people bring to our teams. This collaboration is about building workplaces where everyone feels safe to be themselves, and where difference is not just accepted, but valued as a source of innovation and growth. We're proud to work with the Commission to set a new standard for neuro-inclusion, one that empowers every individual to thrive.'
From right to left: Jenelle McMaster - EY Oceania Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader, Melanie Werner - Project Officer, Equality at Work, Siobhan Tierney - Director, Equality at Work, Zoë Field – EY Oceania Disability Inclusion and Workplace Adjustments Lead / Ability Network co-Chair, David Larocca – EY Chief Executive Officer and Regional Managing Partner Oceania, Kasmira Geering – EY Oceania DE&I Advisor and ND Community Connect Lead
Zoë Field, EY Regional Disability Inclusion & Workplace Adjustment Lead, Oceania said:
'At the EY organisation, we want to ensure that every part of the employee lifecycle is inclusive, accessible and empowering – helping to enable neurodivergent people to thrive at work, feel safe to be their authentic selves, and be embraced for their unique strengths and perspectives.'
Tailored support for neuro-inclusion
The pilot will develop tailored workplace supports that drive equitable outcomes for neurodivergent staff members and fosters more inclusive and accessible workplaces. This collaboration will support EY Australia to accelerate planned activities under their Accessibility & Inclusion Plan. It will also build evidence and a model for best practice in neuro-inclusive workplaces.
We look forward to working with EY Australia to champion inclusive workplaces that uphold the rights of all.