Colleagues
Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace
Colleagues
Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace
American Express is a company where being yourself matters. We believe we’re a better company when all of our colleagues feel included, valued and respected for who they are and what they contribute. We back our colleagues by cultivating a diverse workforce, supporting their wellbeing and delivering a culture that helps them grow and evolve
Inclusion and diversity
Guided by our global Blue Box Values, we actively cultivate an inclusive workplace where every voice is valued, teamwork is rewarded and different points of view are celebrated. Our differences are what shape the world, and we’re committed to our colleagues feeling seen, heard, and like they truly belong.
We also back our colleagues’ leadership potential and ability to shape their future through company-wide leadership training programs. Our Colleague Network Chapters bring together people from a variety of family backgrounds, ethnicity, faith, gender identity and sexual orientation. We take a strategic approach to the benefits we offer to back our colleagues with programs and benefits that support each stage of their career and life.
From a recently enhanced parental leave policy to structured targets for achieving pay equity, we work to ensure overall gender balance and have been recognised as an employer of choice by groups like Direct Advice 4 Dads and the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
Wellbeing and safety
Our colleagues know we’ll support them in every way we can. This means looking out for their safety and security – not just their physical safety but also all aspects of their wellbeing, including mental health and financial wellness.
From practical support like confidential counselling services or access to skin checks and flu vaccinations, a variety of health initiatives help our colleagues make healthy choices and manage stress. We believe safety has to be embedded throughout our culture, which is why we also use programs like Real Mates, which upskills colleagues to provide emotional support to peers going through tough times.
Safety includes how and where our colleagues work, too. Aside from compliance with local laws and regulations, we use a variety of safety processes to minimise and manage risks across head offices, satellite offices and the many different workspaces created by flexible working.
Engagement and innovation
Part of fostering an inclusive workplace culture means making sure people have the backing they need to take risks, learn, collaborate and grow.
Whether that’s recognising exceptional service or helping colleagues develop new skills for a digital age, we use a variety of formal and informal ways to keep building an engaged, innovative culture. For example, annual awards and an online recognition tool help us cultivate a culture of appreciation and encouragement, while a variety of initiatives and leadership programs aim to encourage innovation and creative problem-solving.
CASE STUDY
Fostering innovation and collaboration through the Spark working committee
Spark brings together peers from different business units to support the Country Executive Team in solving complex challenges across the enterprise. Meeting quarterly, peers problem-solve as a network, focusing on innovating for the future. Ideas are collated and presented to the Country Executive Team, with funding provided to bring selected ideas to life.
The program also invites internal and external speakers to discuss and share thoughts around leadership behaviours.
Through collaboration and learning opportunities, Spark committee members benefit from both personal and professional development, as well as playing a key role in finding the solutions that help American Express continue to thrive and grow.
Read more about our local operations and commitments.
