Support networks are vital. That was the message from the Geelong Manufacturing Council’s recent Women in Manufacturing Networkevent, held at Viva Energy.
A panel of four Viva Energy employees, from a range of engineering and operational roles across the Geelong Refinery, shared their experiences with over 50 attendees in an evening that highlighted their successes, along with some hard truths.
Formal and informal networks, mentors and advocates all played a role in guiding the panel’s careers. And while all had experienced obstacles, they spoke highly of Viva Energy’s policies and practices to promote workplace equality and diversity.
Thys Heyns, General Manager Refinery, outlined Viva Energy’s reasoning behind its work to increase diversity in the organisation – better business outcomes are achieved when workplace diversity increases. Viva Energy is recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.
The panel nominated a number of initiatives Viva Energy has implemented that they would recommend to other manufacturers:
- Parental leave for both men and women, with 12% superannuation cover while on parental leave and also while working part-time
- Targets for recruiting women
- Female Emerging Leaders Program
- Women’s Network
- A supportive culture that celebrates women in the workforce
The Women in Manufacturing Network’s next event is Creating a Positive Workplace Culture workshop on August 14. More info here