News & Views

As part of their objectives to meet the demands of the climate emergency and help members decarbonize all aspects of their operations, City switch recently launched a pathway to net zero programme.

If you missed the launch a recording is available HERE and an overview of the programme is available HERE.

The 2022 Workplace Giving Awards will take place on 24 November 2022. Proudly hosted by the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney, Melbourne and online the Award ceremony will be MC’d by renowned Australian journalist and broadcaster, Geraldine Doogue AO. All organisations are welcome to attend this special celebration of workplace giving. Register HERE

Gender Equity Insights is an annual report produced by Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) in collaboration with WGEA. 

In 2022, BCEC | WGEA Gender Equity Insights used data on the location of employment, collected by WGEA for the first time. They found workforce segregation was the key driver of the gender pay gap. Australia's gender pay gap would narrow by a third if all industries and occupations achieved a 40:40:20 gender split. Read the report HERE.

In considering returning to the office we need to appreciate that the office has changed. Desks become sterile, bins have moved, and office interactions have changed. This begs the question, "do we really need to come back to the office at all"? Firms now need to entice workers to return and there's lots of challenges.

Read a really interesting analysis of the issue from Lawyers Weekly HERE.

Quite different to greenwashing, 'greenhushing' is a new meme being given to the practice of not saying enough about your sustainability achievements. If everybody spoke about their incremental achievements then collectively we could tell very powerful story. Be sure to be loud and proud about what you are doing and make it part of your sustainability marketing strategy. See what GreenBiz have to say about 'greenhushing' HERE.

A recent report from EY found that there was a significant disconnect between Investor expectations and actual company performance with regard to sustainable ESG investment. 99% of investors surveyed in the report considered  ESG disclosures as part of their decision making were critical. Companies need to align their reporting with  stakeholder ESG expectations. Read the report HERE.

The Pride in Practice conference is the only national conference dedicated to advancing LGBTQ inclusion in Australian workplaces, sport organisations and the health and human services sector.

This event continues to inspire and spotlight LGBTQ inclusion, with key themes focusing on Intersectionality, LGBTQ+ women, Trans and Gender Diverse People, First Nations LGBTQ+ people, International Reach, and much more.

Various attendance packages are available, as well as recordings of presentations. Go to the Website HERE.

The World Health Organisation says that the COVID pandemic has led to a significant increase in depression and anxiety across the world. On a more positive note it is proven that we can adapt quickly two flexible working and provide a safe and gradual return to work. We must ask R-U-OK every day not just one day a year. See what four law firms have to say about mental health HERE.

An article from Lawyers Weekly suggests that reducing working hours to a four day week could have a significant impact on the environment and more broadly on society. Apart from the benefits of changing personal lifestyle habits, reduced emissions arising from commuting and energy use in offices helps the environment. Working longer and harder means we are more time poor and the quick decisions on fast food and non environmental solutions are easier then the better decisions. Read the article HERE

Landers joins four other law firms and more than 350 Australian organisations recognised by Climate Active as having achieved net-zero emissions through effectively measuring, reducing and offsetting the carbon they produce. "Becoming carbon neutral is an important achievement that demonstrates our commitment to operating a responsible and sustainable business," said Jo Renkin, Lander & Rogers' partner for pro bono, community and environment. "It sends a strong message to our people, clients and profession that we are serious about reducing our environmental impact and supporting climate action." READ MORE