There is an opportunity for businesses to enhance their inclusivity and support of women in the workplace, to overcome male dominance in logistics, according to recent research from Amazon Australia.
More than three-quarters (76%) of Australians associate transport and logistics as male dominated industries. More than four in five Australian women agree they would be more interested in male dominated industries if they saw women succeeding within the industry (86%), there was a clear career progression in those industries (85%), they could see more women in the industry (85%) and if it offered flexible work arrangements (84%).
Three Amazon Australia workers share their thoughts on gender diversity in the workplace, and what it means to be a woman in the largely male dominated logistics industry. They also explain how Australia’s logistics industry can create a culture of inclusivity for women.
Amazon Australia senior manager for workplace health and safety governance, Rebecca Steiger (pictured below) believes while progress is being made, enhancing the representation of women in the workplace has a long way to go.
“The representation we have in the workplace health and safety industry has come a long way, though we need to further encourage a larger diversity of people into the profession,” she told Retailbiz.
“Australia’s logistics industry can create a culture of inclusivity for women within their business model, through the small decisions they make. They should begin by questioning whether their processes provide diversity of thought and broad voice representation across all levels of leadership. Implementing a diverse group of people into all areas of a business allows for different perspectives to feed into an approach, whilst also promoting employees’ abilities to exert their influence at work.
“The investment of senior women at Amazon into the development of other women through the Health and Safety Mentorship program, has worked to build their confidence and expertise to promote success in their careers.”
According to Amazon Australia MEL8 forklift driver, Gail Lines (feature image), stigmas associated with certain job roles, such as operating machinery, act as barriers for women entering the workforce in preventing them from pursuing opportunities in these areas.
“However, the impact of seeing women represented in industries known to be dominated by men, has significantly encouraged our sense of realisation,” she told Retailbiz.
“From working at Amazon, I’ve witnessed how creating a culture of inclusivity goes beyond just gender. It must include people of all different religions, ages and cultures. Amazon’s culture is determined by our people, with diverse groups working in all levels of management, to set the tone for the future success of employees and encourage the recruitment of women in particular.
“Amazon’s implementation of support and mentor programs, such as training sessions to work towards a forklift license, reflects their large focus on empowering employees by broadening their portfolios and upskilling them.”
Amazon Australia fulfilment site lead MEL5, Anna Reid (pictured above) has had her fair share of being the only female in meetings or teams, from studying engineering and IT at university, and then working in manufacturing and supply chain operations for almost 20 years, from graduate to executive leader.
“I’m excited to see this change in the last few years, with more women working in these typical ‘male-dominated’ fields. In particular, since joining Amazon Australia last year to lead the launch of a brand-new Fulfillment Centre in Melbourne, I have found a strong culture of inclusivity, being valued, trusted, and connected no matter your gender or background,” she told Retailbiz.