Building a diverse team
At Fortescue, we understand that a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to creating a thriving, innovative, and equitable workplace. Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our goal to achieve a balanced gender representation and provide leadership opportunities for both women and First Nations Australians. We respect the rights of our employees and are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all.
Our proactive approach includes engaging in open dialogues through workshops, directly involving our Chairman and Board members, to address and overcome diversity challenges. Our Board and Executive team are at the forefront of these initiatives, supported by the Fortescue People team and global workshops designed to tackle diversity challenges head-on. We believe that by fostering an inclusive environment, we not only enhance employee engagement and well-being but also contribute to substantial bottom-line benefits for the company.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at Fortescue
At Fortescue, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We have significantly increased female employment and support for First Nations people. Our Fortitude LGBTQ+ network has grown and earned recognition for its impact. With a workforce spanning numerous countries, we embrace global diversity. These efforts highlight our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive.
3,836
Female employees at Fortescue in FY24, up from 3,113 in FY23.
1,518
First Nations people employed at Fortescue, making up 10.8% of the workforce.
35
Countries represented by Fortescue's workforce, showcasing global diversity with 112 nationalities.
200
Members in the Fortitude LGBTQ+ network, reflecting significant growth and recognition.
Female employment and development
Fortescue is committed to boosting female employment, and we’ve made great strides this year. As of June 2024, we have 3,836 women on our team, a significant increase from previous years. Women now hold nearly a quarter of all positions, close to 30% of leadership roles, and over a third of senior leadership roles. Our focus on gender diversity is clearly paying off, and we've set a unified goal for balanced gender representation across the company.
We also support flexible work and parental leave. This year, 393 employees took advantage of flexible work options, and almost all carers returned to work after parental leave. We offer up to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave annually. Our development programs for women are thriving, with strong participation in our apprenticeship and traineeship programs, helping many women transition to permanent roles. We’re dedicated to fostering career growth and creating an inclusive workplace for all.
Pay equity
First Nations Australian employment and development
Increasing First Nations Australian employment is a key priority for Fortescue. As of June 2024, we employed 1,518 First Nations people, making up 11% of our workforce. Our Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) has been crucial in providing sustainable career pathways, successfully employing over 1,526 First Nations people since its inception. In FY24, our apprenticeship and trainee programs saw significant participation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with many transitioning to permanent roles. Additionally, our Leadership Empowerment for Aboriginal People (LEAP) program and the new Graduate in Fortescue Together (GIFT) program further support the professional development and higher education of First Nations employees, reinforcing our commitment to fostering their growth and leadership within the company.
Diversity of age
LGBTQ+
Our LGBTQ+ network, Fortitude, has grown to about 200 members and achieved significant milestones, including winning the Inclusion Award at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Awards Gala. Fortescue remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace through active membership in Pride in Diversity and Pride in Resources, and by sponsoring the Pride Professionals Mentoring Program.
In FY24, Fortitude worked towards the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) bronze submission and gathered insights from their first AWEI survey. The group hosted several networking events, participated in the WA Pride Month Pride Parade, and attended the Perth Pride Luncheon, while continuing to enhance internal policies and learning initiatives to support LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Culturally diverse backgrounds
Fortescue employs team members from over 35 countries, representing 112 nationalities, enhancing our cultural diversity, especially with the global expansion of our Energy business. We celebrate important cultural events like Chinese New Year and Harmony Day and are trialling a digital learning platform for intercultural training, mandatory for all staff before international travel.
We are also capturing employees' language skills, country of birth, and ethnicity through our talent management platform to better understand and support our diverse workforce. So far, 585 employees have shared their language skills, with Chinese, French, and Spanish being the most common languages spoken after English.
Neurodiversity and differing abilities
Our Neurodiversity Network supports and educates our neurodivergent team members, enhancing their work experience. Collaborating with the Property and Travel team for our Perth head office move, we aim to create an inclusive workspace. Quarterly 'identifying community' catch-ups provide a safe space for connection and sharing.
The network is developing education packages for the business and leaders and was a finalist for the Best Company Initiative award at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Diversity and Inclusion awards.
Our commitment to building a diverse workforce
For more detailed information on our approach toward building a thriving, innovative, and equitable workplace, check out our FY24 Sustainability Report.