QBE Australia takes out two top industry HR awards

QBE Australia has won Australian HR Awards Employer of Choice in the greater than 1,000 employees category and the Best Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Program for 2015.

QBE's Australian and New Zealand Operations (ANZO) Chief Human Resources Officer, Sally Kincaid, said QBE was delighted to be recognised by the industry. "These awards are an acknowledgment of the forward-thinking and innovative practices we are implementing to make QBE a great place to work and a significant recognition from our peers across industry sectors".

"We recognise achieving outstanding business results starts with our people and we continually strive to develop market-leading strategies to attract, retain and engage talent. Key to our customer relationships is the advocacy and commitment of our employees who are reflective of our customer base and can champion our customers' needs" Ms Kincaid said.

Among the stand-out people practices for which QBE was applauded were its recruitment and induction, performance management framework, career development and comprehensive recognition programs. The organisation also provides a range of lifestyle benefits and flexible working arrangements to help support its people and their families to live healthy and well-balanced lives.

QBE was recognised for its employee value proposition: 'What you want in a career. Made possible by QBE', which is brought to life across the three pillars of opportunity, culture and reward.

When asked what differentiates QBE from its peers, Ms Kincaid said "We are very conscious of our stakeholders, internally and externally, and the unique needs they have. Creating value for them is engendered through the actions and commitments of our people leaders and employees. We are committed to developing our people through developing world-class leaders as demonstrated in our investments in key areas such as our Leadership Academy, Technical Pathways and Graduate Programs."

QBE's Diversity and Inclusion agenda is actively sponsored by the Australian Executive team who champion each area of inclusion area from strategy to execution. Starting with a number of programs to create gender equality this has expanded to create a truly inclusive environment, with the launch of a Reconciliation Action Plan and our LGBTI Network, partnership with the Australian Network of Disability through the ‘PACE Mentoring’ program and enhanced benefits for Mature Age employees.

Tony Forward, ANZO Chief Information Officer and Executive sponsor of LGBTI commented recently "I'm honoured to be able to provide executive sponsorship for this important diversity initiative, which is about doing the right thing by our employees and ensuring our workforce is reflective of the broader community in which we operate. It’s particularly pertinent given the current national debate about marriage equality."

"QBE is recognised in the market for our commercial, customer-centric mindset that makes things happen. We are proud of our achievements and these awards are a recognition and endorsement of our leaders" said Ms Kincaid.

The two awards come on the back of winning Australian HR Team of the Year in 2014 and Best HR Strategic Plan for 2013.

For further information please contact:

Anne Wall
Communications Manager
QBE Australia
Phone: 02 9239 7818
Email: anne.wall@qbe.com