Managing workforce diversity and inclusion

17 August 2026
Focus area: Communities, People & culture, Attraction
Program stream: Retention
Project number: 2025-1008

This project examined how the Australian meat industry can improve attraction, retention, inclusion and wellbeing for it’s diverse workforce. 

Two reviews were conducted on diversity and inclusion practices in Australia and the meat industry, along with 25 stakeholder interviews exploring lived experiences.
The reviews showed that diverse and inclusive workplaces improve recruitment, engagement, job satisfaction, psychological well-being and reduced turnover intentions. Key barriers included industry image, work conditions, career development, cultural diversity, geographic location, workplace culture, and mental health. Supportive factors included retention frameworks, wellbeing initiatives, cultural competence and language programs, diversity and inclusion strategies, work design improvements, effective leadership and supervision, and targeted migrant support.
This report provides practical recommendations for managers, workplace health and safety and HR professionals to identify areas for intervention in workplaces that can be readily implemented for diversity and inclusion improvement.

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