Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Mike Williamson
Head of Corporate Actuarial & Appointed Actuary
Pacific Life Re | Australia

Pride to me means being able to bring my true and authentic self to everything I do in life, and also to celebrate it. It also means honouring those who have paved the way for myself and others like me to be able to live in a society without fear of discrimination and hate.

I feel fortunate that I grew up in a country (Canada) that has always been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights, being one of the first nations in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. I now live in a city and country (Sydney, Australia) that is probably one of the most accepting and vibrant places in the world to live as an LGBTQ+ individual.

Despite the fact that Australia is such an open and accepting place to live, it can still be incredibly challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals to be “out” in the workplace. A study by the Diversity Council of Australia in 2018 found that on average only 32% of LGBTQ+ employees were out to their colleagues. Of those that are not out at work, 45% are less likely to be satisfied with their job. Having an LGBTQ+ inclusive culture and ensuring that individuals in the organisation act on this culture is imperative to creating a safe environment for everyone to be their true selves at work.

I’ve worked for Pacific Life Re for over 10 years now and have always felt comfortable being open about my sexuality in the workplace. The company nurtures an environment where you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work. One of Pacific Life Re’s core principles is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that values differences, and I see this play out in practice through company policies and people’s behaviour within the organisation. The company’s policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexuality amongst other things.

The Pacific Life Re Australia Diversity and Inclusion Committee has been engaging in a lot of great activities and initiatives to support LGBTQ+ individuals, including celebrations as part of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Pride month and hosting talks from external speakers to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.

As a gay individual, I certainly consider Pacific Life Re a safe and fabulous place to work!