It is undeniable that contemporary workplaces have become increasingly diverse, bringing together workers that differ from each other on a range of characteristics such as cultural and linguistic background, age, gender, etc. In fact, the dramatic demographic shifts we see in workforces across the globe make diversity a critical factor to the core business and long-term financial success of contemporary organisations. Such increased diversity brings with it opportunities as well as challenges. Probably one of the most significant challenges is the fact that the potential benefits of diversity are not materialised unless diversity is managed effectively. Research evidence points towards leaders as playing a critical role in facilitating inclusion within the workplace and helping organisation to reap the benefits of an increasingly diverse workforce.
This two-day masterclass will provide participants with knowledge, skills, and tools to manage an increasingly diverse workforce more effectively. Across the two days, workshop activities will focus on providing participants with a comprehensive overview of diversity dimensions that are relevant in the context of work, as well as practical strategies to:
- Create more inclusive work environments in which diverse workers feel accepted, welcomed and free to be themselves;
- Individualise work to the specific strengths and needs of diverse team members to ensure fit with job, team, and organisation;
- Promote integrated, team-based approaches to work that capitalise on the benefits of diversity.
About the facilitators
Daniela Andrei
Daniela Andrei is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Management and Marketing at Curtin University and an Associate Investigator with the Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research. She has led multiple large-scale, applied research projects aiming to support organisations to tackle contemporary challenges such as managing an ageing/ age diverse workforce, changing work conditions, or supporting employee wellbeing. In her research Daniela is particularly interested in understanding the forces that shape people’s jobs and their experiences at work. She also investigates the consequences of these experiences on employee performance, wellbeing and safety. Daniela’s research has been published in journals such as Journal of Applied Psychology, Safety Science, and Journal of Organizational Change Management. She has co-authored several research reports for industry and government, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC).
Eva Zellman
Eva Zellman a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) professional with extensive experience in identifying and implementing strategies to enhance inclusion across multiple diversity dimensions. She delivers D&I training for both leaders and team members with a strong focus on evidence base practices. In addition to her specialist D&I knowledge, she has extensive experience in leadership development including Executive Coaching, and the development and delivery of leadership development programs and leadership development centres. She is currently completing a PhD at the Future of Work Institute at Curtin University exploring leadership competencies that are important when leading ageing and age-diverse work teams, and how to best develop these competencies in leaders. Eva has a Master’s degree in organisational psychology, and has worked as a consultant for many years focusing on leadership development, developing high performing teams, career coaching and facilitation.
