There aren't many industries that have the reach or presence in everyday life that retail does
A recently-formed group for LGBTQ+ employees within the Australian retail sector could be a positive force for good because of its huge reach across society, Woolworths believes. The retail giant is backing Sydney-based InterRetail, which has been spearheaded by one of its own employees, Alex Zachariah, who is Head of B2C Customer Initiatives at WooliesX and Chair of InterRetail’s working group.
“The retail sector employs and touches every community and individual in Australia, directly and indirectly,” Woolworths Group commented. “There aren't many industries that have the reach or presence in everyday life that retail does. Because of this reach, there is a unique opportunity for retailers to make a positive impact for our LGBTQ+ employees, and the communities in which we operate.”
It added: “Alex, who is also the lead of our internal LGBTQ+ network, Proud at Woolworths Group,saw a gap in the retail sector for LGBTQ+ people and allies. He took it upon himself to build InterRetail, to share learnings for inclusion across businesses within retail.
“We’re proud to be a founding member of the new LGBTQ+ community for retail employees, InterRetail - LGBTQ+ network for the retail industry. We can all help challenge discrimination in the workplace.”
Woolworths said it was proud to be a founding member of the group. it is one of a number of retail businesses which have signed up to InterRetail, including Ampol, Australia Post, Coles Group, Endevour Group, Metcash, Officeworks, Optus and TPG Telecom/Vodafone. More than 400,000 people are employed by the retailers collectively. InterRetail’s mission is to be a visible network of employees who inspire and drive positive social change for LGBTQ+ communities. It works to raise awareness and provide education around the key issues they face and says its building a forum of support for members. Furthermore, it wants to create fun opportunities for LGBTQ+ employees and allies to celebrate their diversity and history through professional and social networking opportunities.
The group says it will also offer support for those in rural communities and share best practice around LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, through widely accessible resources aimed at driving industry change.
To find out more about InterRetail go to its LinkedIn page at https://lnkd.in/d_2AtqxP
