4 minute read
Diversifying the supply chain workplace
Seventy per cent of surveyed Australians think logistics is a male-dominated industry.
New research by Amazon has revealed that four in five women would be more interested in male dominated jobs if they saw women succeeding within the industry. MHD speaks to Rachel Smith, ALC Policy and Advocacy Director about the best strategies for attracting more women into supply chain and logistics roles.
It is no secret that transport and logistics are considered to be male-skewed industries. Despite this, Rachel Smith, ALC Policy and Advocacy Director, is beginning to see a shift in attitude.
“There is a genuine desire to attract more female talent to the industry,” Rachel says. “For example, apart from our CEO, ALC is an all-female team. It’s all about challenging the perception of what the transport and logistics and supply chain industry is – because it’s more than just truck and train drivers.”
The increase in automation and everchanging technology in supply chains has sparked demand for a completely different skillset to that of traditional warehouses. These days, one logistics company can cover a suite of roles: engineers, data scientists, managers and forklift operators all contribute to the flow of products in and out of a distribution centre.
Of all participants interviewed in Amazon’s Australian research report, 70 per cent signaled logistics to be a male-dominated industry. Women participants identified clear strategies to reduce this imbalance, with 86 per cent
Rachel Smith, ALC Policy and Advocacy Director.
saying they would be more interested in male dominated industries if they saw women succeeding within the industry, there was a clear career progression in those industries (85 per cent) and they could see more women in the industry (85 per cent).
“Telling stories about women succeeding is so helpful,” Rachel notes. “Your typical year 12 student probably isn’t going to pick up the latest edition of MHD, so capturing wins on social, in workplaces and the STEM community will make a big impact.”
ALC’s advocacy work has a focus on developing skills for the future, which is crucial considering the changing supply chain landscape.
“Educating young people about the range of skills used in the industry will create a more even playing field,” Rachel says. “The beauty of the pandemic is that, probably for the first time, young people can see how important supply chain is to getting everything we need.”
Jacqui Marker, Amazon’s Human Resources Operations Director for Australia, Singapore and China, recently shared with MHD some of her top tips for supporting and encouraging women in the logistics workforce:
1. BE CLEAR ON DIVERSITY GOALS AND THE ACTIONS REQUIRED TO MEET THESE
For business leaders in the logistics industry, this involves critically and regularly reviewing talent pipelines. Rather than waiting until there is a specific role to recruit, have regular career conversations with your teams and consider how you develop and nurture internal talent from entry-level positions onwards in order to build a female contingency bench.
2. FOCUS ON INCLUSIVE HIRING EFFORTS
Intentionally focus on inclusive hiring efforts and recruit top female talent. “Seeing is believing.”
3. PROMOTE AND SUPPORT DIVERSITY IN OPERATIONS.
As a leader, this means providing a safe space for everyone to have a voice and raise ideas or concerns. It’s equally important to engage a diverse range of people to have a seat at the table in order to actively participate in decision-making and listen to ideas on how to authentically encourage diversity within the business. Not just in terms of gender, but across national origin, sexual orientation, education and life experiences.
4. ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO MENTOR AND COACH JUNIOR FEMALE COLLEAGUES
It makes a huge difference in their development by having a trusted advisor that can provide guidance and also act as a sounding board.
5. NETWORKING
Prioritise participation in industry networking events and special interest groups. These events and groups exist to support women in the industry and promote their advancement. They provide a great opportunity for professional development, connection and inspiration. They also provide a platform to promote women’s success stories which becomes critical to shifting the optics of female representation across the logistics sector.
Francine Klein works at Amazon’s Brisbane fulfilment centre as a forklift driver.
ENTERING THE LOGISTIC SPACE
After 27 years of working with QANTAS, Francine Klein was one of the 20,000 workers out of a job in May last year because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having decades of experience as a flight attendant, Francine says she didn’t see forklift operating as an obvious succession plan.
“Amazon was looking for more forklift drivers, so being new to the company I threw my hat in the ring and was accepted,” she says. “There’s actually quite a few female drivers here.”
Francine attained her forklift license to work at Amazon’s Brisbane Fulfilment Centre – where the inclusivity of the warehouse makes her feel at home – and says the skills required for a job in logistics are applicable across a range of industries.
“I didn’t realise just how big of an operation it is here, with data scientists, HR, warehouse staff and so many different roles,” she says. “Getting the message out there that these jobs aren’t just for big, burly men is fantastic.” ■
