Tangible action with Whitehaven Coal 

Last week I popped up to Sydney to spend some face time with Daniel Cram, Executive General Manager – People & Culture at Whitehaven Coal for our mid-point partnership review.

Dan was very supportive in getting behind the World of Work program. Whitehaven Coal was the first sponsor that came on board and they didn’t just do it lightly, they were all in and were clearly committed to helping get women re-engaged with work, opting to be our platinum partner.

I was welcomed and supported with open arms. I’m not sure if he realised it at the time but I felt somewhat like a mystery shopper, scoping the place out, delighted that CEO and Managing Director Paul Flynn greeted me, opening the door and all smiles. I didn’t blow my cover, I was enjoying it too much. 

Whitehaven Coal has supported the World of Work program and engaged with the participants, showcasing their employment benefits and opportunities over the last few months. They are also the reason we’ve been able to offer 100 places in our program for free. We’ve seen a big upswing in registrations thanks to this generous offer (ps. We still have a few openings, so if you’re interested in exploring what career might suit you and need help with things like resumes, cover letters and learning how to win at interviews, sign up here www.worldofwork.org.au). 

Speaking to Dan, it’s clear that Whitehaven Coal really wants to understand what’s important to women when it comes to work. They value human centred design, which puts real people at the centre of their processes and they problem solve by listening to what their people are saying and then addressing what they can do. 

I was thrilled to hear Dan and his team have open ears to ideas of how work can be redesigned to support their employees. With 80% of our World of Work participants having caring responsibilities, it’s important that work is designed to support that – “There’s no barrier to part time,” Dan said. 

As we approach International Women’s Day, I leave you with the theme for this year – Embrace Equity. It’s not just something we write about. It’s something we need to think about, know, value and embrace. It’s what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world. 

I’m proud of the work we are doing with Whitehaven Coal and the World of Work, because we all play a part in supporting equity. Giving women the confidence and skills to re-enter or find their perfect place in the workforce helps towards the social, economic and cultural advancement of women in Australia.

Sadly, the government funding for our World of Work program comes to an end in April 2023, so we are taking last registrations now. Visit www.worldofwork.org.au for more information and register now.