OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & DIVERSITY

TressCox is committed to Equity and Diversity in the workplace and continues to demonstrate and support programs that provide an inclusive environment for all employees, potential employees and the broader community with which we are engaged.

Through policy, education and recruitment TressCox has fostered a  workplace that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment – which recognises, utilises and values the knowledge, abilities, skills and ideas of all our people, irrespective of race, ethnicity or religion, gender, education level, socio-economic background, age, disability, family responsibility, sexual orientation or other factors such as values and beliefs, language, goals and expectations, cultural identity, work and social experiences.

TressCox places great emphasis on providing opportunities which allow: educational equity; employment equity; affirmative action and diversity.  Through awareness and enabling employees from diverse backgrounds to be part of the consultative and decision making processes on matters that may affect them, a number of workplace programs and community initiatives have been established.

In 2004 TressCox established a Culture Committee consisting of a broad representation initially of the partnership to raise awareness and be a driver for organisational change. This committee encourages discussions on workplace issues in a consultative and constructive manner.  All members are encouraged to participate and contribute on policy development affecting their workplace including equity and diversity issues. This is an effective committee to support behavioural changes in the workplace and to foster sound communication networks.

Similarly, internal Focus Groups have been established represented by our lawyers, working on and assisting with matters of relevance to lawyers in the firm.  The main tasks of the group historically have related to assistance with the summer clerkship program including promoting the firm at the Law Career's Fair and actively mentoring our summer-clerks.  The groups have become more active in developing other marketing, cultural and educational initiatives including networking events.

As of March 2005 women accounted for 64% of all employees at TressCox.  In particular women have over 50% representation at Executive Partner; Senior Associate and Solicitor level while 61% of women are in part time or casual positions. To assist and advance the success of all women at our firm, TressCox introduced a ‘flexible approach’ to the workplace and work arrangements. This is about more than just offering flexible work arrangements, it encompasses the firm’s culture, mutual trust and communication. Flexibility means considering each employee’s needs individually and working collaboratively to find the right solution.

To further assist with the success of our employees further programs have been introduced such as a Wellness Program providing in house activities such as yoga; language classes; health session and financial planning.

Further initiatives include providing employees with quarterly flexible leave days in addition to annual/sick leave; undergraduate/post graduate financial assistance including 10 study leave days and awards recognising achievement in the workplace.

“We are not an homogenous mass of people from the same background and with the same views on the world, but a group of talented and committed individuals who, collectively, value personal relationships and are connected to each other and to the market in which we work so that we can provide insightful and commercial advice to our clients” (Alistair Little, Chairman, 2004).