PERSOL’s DEI Commitment recognised at 2025 SARA Awards

At PERSOL Australia, we’re proud to be named a finalist in the 2025 SEEK Annual Recruitment Awards (SARA) for Outstanding Progress in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). This recognition is more than a milestone, it reflects the values we live every day and the future we’re committed to building.

But beyond the accolade, I want to pause and explore why DEI matters, not just to us, but to every organisation striving to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

More Than Buzzwords

In recent years, DEI has become a staple in boardroom discussions and HR strategies. Yet for some businesses, it risks being treated as a checkbox exercise rather than a core business imperative.

At its heart, DEI is about creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered—regardless of background, identity, or lived experience. It’s about recognising that talent comes in many forms and that innovation flourishes when diverse perspectives are welcomed and heard.

For us at PERSOL, DEI isn’t a side initiative, it’s embedded in how we recruit, how we lead, and how we serve our clients and communities.

Why DEI Drives Business Success

The evidence is clear: diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones. They’re more innovative, resilient, and better equipped to solve complex problems. But the benefits go far beyond performance metrics:

• Better Decision-Making: Diverse teams bring a wider range of viewpoints, leading to more thoughtful and inclusive decisions. Different experiences challenge assumptions and uncover blind spots.

• Stronger Employee Engagement: When employees feel they belong, they’re more engaged, productive, and loyal. Inclusion fosters psychological safety which is essential for creativity and collaboration.

• Enhanced Reputation and Brand Trust: Customers and clients increasingly expect companies to reflect their values. A strong DEI commitment signals integrity, empathy, and forward-thinking leadership.

• Access to Broader Talent Pools: Inclusive hiring opens doors to talent that might otherwise be overlooked. In a competitive labour market, this isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage

Our Journey at PERSOL Australia

Being recognised by SEEK for our progress in DEI is a proud moment on the back of our recognition as a finalist in the 2025 RCSA Awards, but it’s also a reminder that this is an ongoing journey.

We’ve taken deliberate steps to embed DEI into our culture and operations. From inclusive recruitment practices to leadership programs that elevate underrepresented voices, we’re working to make equity a lived reality.

We’ve partnered with community organisations, invested in education and awareness, and created safe spaces for dialogue and growth. Most importantly, we’ve listened to our people, our clients, and the communities we serve.

This recognition speaks to the everyday actions of our team, championing equity, embracing difference, and driving meaningful change across the recruitment landscape

My Broader Commitment to Gender Equity

Beyond my role at PERSOL, I’m honoured to serve as a CEO for Gender Equity, an organisation led by Ashley McGrath, Executive Officer of CEOs for Gender Equity WA. This collective brings together leaders across Western Australia to drive systemic change and create workplaces where gender equity is not just a goal but a reality. I love been a part of a group of leaders who are sharing what’s working and what’s not to accelerate gender equity in Australia.

We know that gender equity is good for everyone, good for business and good for society. Simply put, it is about change, and change starts at the top.
This work reinforces a simple truth: DEI is not confined to one organisation or sector—it’s a shared responsibility that demands collaboration, courage, and leadership at every level.

For a more detailed perspective on why gender equity matters for business and society, I encourage you to watch or listen to this podcast featuring Ashley and myself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHZpxgEJGOU

Leadership Lessons

If you’re a business leader wondering where to start or how to deepen your DEI impact, here are a few reflections from our experience:

• Start with Listening: DEI begins with understanding. Create channels for honest feedback and be willing to hear uncomfortable truths.

• Make It Measurable: Set clear goals and track progress. Metrics, whether representation, pay equity, or inclusion scores - drive accountability.

• Empower Champions: DEI shouldn’t sit solely with HR. Equip leaders across the business to champion inclusion in their teams and decisions.

• Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: The journey is ongoing. Share stories, acknowledge milestones, and recognise those driving change.

• Lead with Purpose: DEI is ultimately about values. When your purpose is clear, your actions will follow. Make inclusion part of your brand, culture, and legacy.

Looking Ahead

Building an inclusive workplace is not a destination, it’s a continuous evolution requiring courage, humility, and a willingness to grow.

We’re grateful to SEEK for recognising our efforts and inspired by the other finalists leading the way. Together, we’re shaping a recruitment industry and a workforce that reflects the richness and diversity of our society.

To our incredible team at PERSOL Australia: thank you. Your passion, purpose, and everyday actions make this recognition possible. You continue to lead with heart, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Let’s keep building a future where everyone belongs.