Our values
At the core of our culture is a set of values that bring out the best in our people. These are We focus on the Future, We are One team, We act with Respect and Integrity, We make a positive Difference.
They have been designed to represent the values we share as a collective of people passionate about horticulture. They shape how we behave, how we make decisions, and how we lead our organsiation, our growers, and our stakeholders.
We are continually developing new ways for our people to be recognised – both by the company and by each other. We believe that recognition brings out the best in our people and that they should be rewarded for the terrific work they do.
We like to find these values in others who care about Australian horticulture and who would appreciate the opportunity to join a committed, belief-driven company that is improving Australian horticulture, both now and for the future.
Diversity and inclusion
Hort Innovation respects and values the diversity of its employees and stakeholders and is committed to finding ways to actively support and encourage a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace now and in the future.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, respected and supported for the differences they bring across a wide range of skills, experiences, ideas and attributes.
It is well known that diversity and inclusion is strongly linked to innovation, growth and profitability. We believe that all businesses in the wider horticulture sector can benefit by taking a proactive approach to diversity and inclusion.
Hort Innovation is a proud member of Diversity Council Australia, an independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Read more about Diversity Council Australia here.
Bullying and harassment
In mid-2018, Hort Innovation released the below public message about combatting bullying, harassing behaviour and discrimination, and about championing diversity and inclusion in our industry. The intention was, and remains, to start a conversation about the importance of making progress in these areas.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives, coupled with policies and interventions aimed at preventing and addressing instances of bullying, harassment and discrimination in the workplaces of the horticulture sector, will significantly underpin the sector’s long-term growth, profitability and sustainability. Given the heightened prevalence and increase in reports of harassment and bullying across many parts of our society, including workplaces, proactive management and mitigation of such issues is a key consideration for all. As businesses, industry organisations, and individuals, we all share the responsibility to show leadership in proactively addressing these issues.
Hort Innovation has an internal policy in place dealing with bullying, harassment and discrimination in the workplace. This policy addresses the legal requirements but more importantly provides a framework to ensure that any instances are dealt with to provide a safe and secure workplace for employees and stakeholders.
More recently, Hort Innovation has engaged in workshops with staff to highlight the value and importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce free from all forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination. Diversity can be considered the wide range of human differences across the community. It includes inherent characteristics such as age/generational differences, ethnicity, gender, intellectual and/or physical ability, cultural background, sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Diversity also refers to less visible aspects such as education, socioeconomic background, faith, marital status, family responsibilities, and thinking, experience and work styles. Workplace inclusion refers to the way culture, values, and behaviours impact a person’s experience around feeling valued, respected and whether they are contributing and progressing. It relates to a work environment where all people are treated fairly and respectfully, with equal access to opportunities and resources.
The importance of diversity and inclusion is very practical – almost every horticulture industry is challenged by the complexities of securing both skilled and unskilled people for their workforce. The challenges with securing employees is regularly featured in the media. A diverse and inclusive workforce has been shown to improve profitability and innovation for all businesses and industries across the world. The entire horticulture sector has an opportunity to adopt a proactive approach to diversity and inclusion which will help to attract and retain a skilled, motivated and productive workforce.
The risks of not adopting bullying, harassment and discrimination policies (as a minimum) include exposing businesses, organisations and individuals to significant legal action. In the longer term, not adopting proactive diversity and inclusion policies risks the long-term viability of industries who may not be able to secure employees to operate.
Hort Innovation will continue to adopt a proactive approach to dealing with bullying, harassment and discrimination, along with diversity and inclusion. We are also looking for ways to support Industry Representative Bodies to develop their capability in dealing with bullying, harassment and discrimination, and diversity and inclusion.
If you are looking for further information or resources, or you have thoughts or ideas on how Hort Innovation can support the horticulture sector to address these issues, please feel free to speak to any Hort Innovation staff member or write to us at communications@horticulture.com.au.