Hays recognised with Gold Employer status at national LGBTQIA+ inclusion awards

Published: 01 Jun, 2026
 
Hays has been recognised as a Gold Employer at the 2026 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards - one of Australia’s leading benchmarks for workplace inclusion.
 
The recognition reflects the progress Hays has made to build an environment where LGBTQIA+ colleagues feel safe, supported and able to be themselves at work.
 
Matthew Dickason, CEO, Asia Pacific, said the award is a proud milestone for the business. 
 
“This recognition reflects the consistent effort across our organisation to create a culture where people feel they belong. While we’re proud of this milestone, we know the work doesn’t stop here - ongoing focus and accountability are critical to ensuring every colleague can thrive.”
 
Over the past year, Hays has strengthened its approach to LGBTQIA+ inclusion through practical initiatives, including the introduction of two weeks’ paid gender affirmation leave and the rollout of toolkits to support leaders and teams in creating a safe and inclusive experience for colleagues affirming their gender.
 
The organisation has also continued to build strong connections with the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, partnerships and participation in key events, recognising the role it can play both within and beyond its own workforce.
 
Bernadette Hanly, Head of Culture & Inclusion, APAC, said the recognition reflects meaningful action across the business.
 
“This recognition matters because it reflects action, not just intention. We’ve focused on changes that improve the everyday experience of our colleagues, through policy, support and building a culture of allyship.”
 
“It’s a collective effort across the business, and we’re committed to continuing to listen, learn and evolve so every colleague feels valued and supported.”
 
In addition to achieving Gold Employer Status, Hays was also recognised as a finalist in the Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Award. The AWEI is Australia’s national benchmarking instrument for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, measuring both policy and practice across participating organisations.

About Hays

Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions, such as Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Managed Service Provider (MSP). The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 30 June 2025, the Group employed over 9,500 staff operating from 207 offices in 30 countries.


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