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Sense of connection and contribution have decreased post-pandemic

In what was expected to be a "normal" year, Australians report feeling less connected, valued, and included at work. However, organisations prioritising diversity and inclusion demonstrate a remarkable ability to buck this trend.

13 Mar 2024

Catherine Ngo

Content writer, presenter and podcaster

A new report recently published by Diversity Council Australia (DCA) reveals a concerning trend in the post-COVID workplace. In what was expected to be a "normal" year, Australians report feeling less connected, valued, and included at work. However, organisations prioritising diversity and inclusion demonstrate a remarkable ability to buck this trend.

DCA's Inclusion@Work Index is a survey of 3,000 nationally representative workers in Australia that maps and tracks the state of inclusion in the Australian workforce.

The 2023-2024 Inclusion@Work Index provides critical insights into inclusion and diversity in a post-pandemic Australian world and draws comparisons with previous releases in 2021-2022 (during-pandemic) and 2019-2020 (pre-pandemic).

Despite discrimination, harassment and other forms of workplace exclusion easing off for many workers during the pandemic, data from the 2023-2024 Index shows these trends reversing in post-pandemic workplaces.

Key findings from the Inclusion@Work Index

In 2023, almost one in five Australian workers (19%) reported feeling undervalued, disrespected, and unable to contribute meaningfully to their careers. This figure has nearly doubled since 2019, highlighting a significant decline in workplace satisfaction.

Moreover, an increasing number of workers (27%) indicated that their managers do not foster an inclusive work environment. They perceived that their managers lacked appreciation for diversity, treated employees unfairly, and failed to address inappropriate behaviour. This represents a concerning trend, with a 9% increase from 2021 and a 6% increase from 2019.

Adding to the concerns, discrimination and harassment at work have seen a worrying rise. In 2023, almost one in three workers (30%) reported experiencing discrimination or harassment, an 8% increase from 2021 and 4% higher than the pre-pandemic figure of 26% in 2019.

The silver lining is that D&I 'active' organisations are bucking this trend

Employees who reported that their organisation is actively working to establish a more diverse and inclusive workplace were significantly more likely to belong to an inclusive team and have an inclusive manager. Furthermore, these employees were nearly twice as likely to report that their work positively impacts their mental well-being. Additionally, they were more likely to provide exceptional customer service, collaborate effectively, solve problems creatively, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Although many believe the global pandemic is over, Australians are healing from the shared trauma experienced in recent years, says Lisa Annese, CEO of DCA.

Workplaces are adapting to the latest "new normal," addressing issues like flexible work options, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, inflationary pressures, and a growing scarcity of skilled labour. At the same time, employees are still coping with the psychological and professional consequences of the past few years, leading to a growing dissatisfaction with traditional work arrangements.

Given these factors, it is no surprise that the DCA's Inclusion@Work Index for 2023–2024 reveals that employees feel less connected, valued, and included in the workplace post-pandemic.

Focusing on diversity and inclusion is more critical than ever in a time of disruption and division. The index highlights the unique problems of the post-pandemic workforce and presents a clear case for diversity and inclusion action as a viable solution for employers.

What can employers do?

Building a diverse and inclusive workplace requires considered commitment and care from all levels of the organisation. Embracing diversity and inclusion is not a tick-a-box exercise; it is a journey towards creating a more equitable and harmonious workplace that benefits everyone involved.

Please revisit our article on "How to embrace diversity and inclusivity", which outlines eight steps on how employers can get started on their D&I journey.

My Business Workplace has policies to assist you with diversity and inclusion, including an Anti-Discrimination and EEO Policy and an EEO checklist.