Enhancing Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Development & Mentoring Opportunities
At Macquarie, we offer a range of learning opportunities, including leadership and professional development alongside access to external programmes and certifications. These opportunities equip our people with skills and capabilities for career development and promote inclusive leadership behaviours.
We offer a global sponsorship program which pairs high-potential under-connected employees with senior leader sponsors from their Divisional leadership teams. Sponsors offer career guidance, make warm connections, provide development opportunities, and advocate for the employees in forums where they cannot represent themselves. The program has been positively received, with most participants reporting higher engagement rates and intent to stay compared to peers, they also tell us they feel invested in and supported by the organisation. Clear definitions of sponsorship, training for participants, managers, and sponsors, and systematic evaluation of the program’s impact have been essential for its effectiveness. Peer learning sessions have been critical to the success of the programme, providing a supportive community to the participants as well as a collaborative learning environment.
Recruitment Inclusivity Audit
We conducted a Recruitment Inclusivity Audit providing us with change actions across all aspects of the candidate journey to help ensure our process is inclusive for all. We recognise that there is not a single solution for all under-represented groups, so we are focussed on improving partnerships, collaboration, and consistency in messaging and processes.
Calibration of Performance Assessment and Ratings
To ensure that annual performance assessment processes and ratings are applied fairly to all colleagues, we have implemented updated global Macquarie Behavioural Standards to help minimise the impact of individual biases and provides a more comprehensive assessment of each employee’s performance.
Importance of our Employee Network Group
The Fusion Employee Network Group (ENG) plays a vital role in achieving equitable outcomes and valuing differences at Macquarie. Fusion ENG aligns its initiatives with broader organisational goals, working closely with multiple stakeholders.
Fusion ENG has established initiatives like the “Know Better, Do Better” campaign and keynote speaker events to raise awareness about the challenges faced by different ethnicities, cultures, and faiths. The Black Employee@Macquarie (BEAM) group has been instrumental in setting up listening circles and allyship sessions in collaboration with our People and Culture Division. BEAM’s membership nearly doubled in 2024, reflecting Macquarie’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment. BEAM’s networking events have connected Black employees and allies with senior leaders, offering invaluable career progression insights and the opportunity to build new relationships. Importantly, our ENGs are open to everyone which highlights our commitment to inclusion.
The IIE Maturity Matrix has provided us with a clear roadmap, helping us identify our strengths and areas for improvement across critical dimensions such as Leadership & Commitment, Data & Policy, Culture & Inclusion, and more. By benchmarking our progress and holding ourselves accountable, we have been able to make sustainable changes that resonate across EMEA.
