SHINE - LGBTQI and Ally group
Shine is our LGBTQI+ employee network at the NRMA Group.
Our purpose is to create a culture of inclusion, safety, well-being and belonging, where people feel they can be authentic, no matter how they identify.
And while we proudly advocate for the inclusion of sexually and gender diverse communities, we want to ensure we create a workplace environment that offers peace of mind for now and long into the future, to ensure all our people feel confident and comfortable enough to be their true selves.
This is not simply about having and ticking off a ‘diversity and inclusion’ checklist, it goes far beyond that. We want our people to enjoy coming to work or logging on, and bringing their best selves to the team. We're doing this to ensure a happier and ultimately more productive workforce and a greater sense of belonging organisation-wide.
Watch our team members share their stories on life at the NRMA, and how we do our best to support everyone’s journey – every day.
Supporting everyone’s journey
To celebrate WorldPride at the NRMA Group, we come together under the theme ‘supporting everyone’s journey’. It runs true to the core purpose of the NRMA Group: no matter who you are, we’re here to help – at the roadside, getting to your destination, or exploring Australia.
WorldPride across the NRMA group
We’re coming out loud and proud with our very first NRMA pride patrol van, SIXT pride truck and pride My Fast Ferry.
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LGBTQI+ Inclusion
In July 2019, we established our first employee led network group named SHINE. SHINE provides a fantastic support network for our employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI+) as well as their allies. The group continues to raise awareness across the NRMA, with more LGBTQI+ employees coming to work feeling happy and comfortable in their own skin.
We also work with external partners like Pride in Diversity, the only not-for-profit workplace program in the country designed specifically for the LGBTQI+ community. What's more, our policies and benefits that are available to employees are inclusive of same sex partners and families.
We want our LGBTQI+ employees and Members to be proud of who they are, because we’re just as proud to stand alongside them.
AWEI Recognition
The NRMA was named as a bronze employer for LGBTQI+ employee inclusion at the 2022 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) awards, as well as most improved employer.
Our progress
Achievements
- All our policies are inclusive of LGBTQI+ employees and their families, and include specific examples for LGBTQI+ employees and avenues of support. For example the NRMA Group Anti-Discrimination Harassment Bullying and EEO Policy, Domestic & Family Violence policy, and travel policy.
- We updated the uniform policy for our SIXT division to remove gendered language. Our NRMA Group wide dress code policies and guidelines empower all employees, including trans, gender diverse and non-binary employees to dress in a manner (or select uniforms) that best reflects who they are.
- Where we collect employee personal information, the gender field has been updated to “Gender Identity” and included the following options: Female, Male, Non Binary / Gender Diverse, Prefer not to say.
- We have introduced gender affirmation leave policies for transitioning employees who are taking steps to affirm their gender.
- We’re committed to supporting our trans and gender diverse employees by creating a workplace where our facilities are more inclusive. We introduced all gender bathrooms to provide a more inclusive option for trans and gender diverse employees and guests, rather than using the binary gendered female and male toilets.
- We actively encourage and provide our people with ways they can visibly express their commitment and allyship towards LGBTQI+ inclusion. This includes providing email signatures incorporating pronouns, lanyards in pride colours, and virtual Teams backgrounds for LGBTQI+ days of significance.
- SHINE is included in our corporate orientation, as part of ‘Life at NRMA’ so that everyone feels welcome at the NRMA Group from day one.
- SHINE actively promotes and develops information on how to be an ally to LGBTQI+ employees including hosting training events, and creating guides on trans and gender diverse inclusion.
- We have made face-to-face LGBTQI+ Awareness / Inclusion / Ally Training available to all NRMA Group employees since our launch in 2019.
- We implemented confidential contacts and compiled a list of national and state based support services relevant to LGBTQI+ people, their families and friends.
- We have hosted a number of ‘Lunch n Learn’ sessions at the NRMA Group to celebrate LGBTQI+ days of significance, and raise awareness. For the Sydney Gay and Mardi Gras, we heard from two of the participants of the first Mardi Gras (‘The 78ers’) who joined us to recount those events, explain why Mardi Gras is still important today, and their hopes for the future.
- We mark several days of significance, and raised awareness with events, videos and articles. The NRMA logo is changed to a pride theme across our social media channels for Mardi Gras.
- We have a visible and active Executive Sponsor for LGBTQI+ inclusion at the NRMA Group who is an active advocate.
- The NRMA partners with Sonder to gift the Sonder app to NRMA employees and their families. Sonder is a market leading innovator who can provide around the clock wellbeing and safety support for mental, physical and medical challenges. Sonder is passionate about increasing accessibility to their services in order reduce health and social inequity for all Members (incl LGBTQI+)
FAQs
Why has NRMA changed their logo?
At the NRMA, we're committed to supporting the LGBTQI+ community. And while we understand that not everyone will agree, we recognise diversity and encourage a more inclusive community where everyone feels like they belong. That sense of belonging regardless of age, race, sexuality or gender is embedded in how we create an authentically inclusive environment, how we operate as a work family, and how we live out our values.
What do the colours of the logo mean?
With the logo change, you'll see there are a few more colours than just our standard blue and white. The bright colours you see are great to look at, but they also serve an important purpose.
The original rainbow pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978. It consisted of eight stripes in different colors, each one with a specific meaning. However, with developments in the LGBTQI+ community, the Pride flag now gives representation to queer people of colour, as well as trans individuals.
The flag gives the LGBTQI+ a sense of pride and we can think of no better way to celebrate every facet of the LGBTQI+ community than by letting their flag fly high.
We're always working to ensure an inclusive culture doesn't just exist, but that it allows our people to thrive - and that our differences are celebrated.
What is WorldPride?
WorldPride is a global LGBTQIA+ festival that has been staged since 2000, with cities competing to host the event.
Sydney WorldPride will incorporate all the beloved Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events, plus a broad festival offering across arts, sport, theatre, concerts, parties, First Nations programming and a human rights conference.
