Services
Our aim is to enhance individual and business performance by providing the following services:Learning and development
We provide learning and development programmes which address:- managing and leading a flexible and diverse workplace;
- designing and implementing flexible work practices;
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO);
- diversity management;
- discrimination and harassment;
- grievance handling;
- bullying in the workplace;
- occupational health and safety.
Facilitated workshops
At Aequus Partners two of our face-to-face training methodologies use interactive training techniques to raise awareness of personal and workplace barriers to diversity and flexibility. One of those techniques is called the "Diversity Walk" and involves training participants taking on a "character" (eg "single person with no caring responsibilities", "divorced parent with weekend custody") and making decisions in response to a series of workplace-related questions put by the facilitator. Another technique is the use of actors to "Real Play" a scenario, and involves the training participants asking questions of the actors in role to gain insights into the character's motivations and their own assumptions about the characters. The facilitator can then lead a discussion about opportunities for change and the group identifies ways that any problematic behaviours can be resolved.We asked one of our clients, Johnson & Johnson Medical, which has used both of these techniques at recent leadership conferences, to provide us with their perspective on the outcomes of these methodologies in supporting their diversity journey. Thanks to Mike Finnegan (General Manager, Ethicon Business) for sharing his insights.
Q: What was attractive about the training methodologies?
A: "We were pretty convinced that trying to influence cultural change through a PowerPoint (presentation) should not be done. We wanted to do something interactive, to bring the issues to life".
Q: What were the advantages/limits of the training?
A: In terms of advantages concerning the Diversity Walk, "There was no-one in the room who was not engaged - it was not overly threatening and that worked well. People could see parts of themselves without being singled out. It graphically demonstrated the shortcomings in our thinking". In terms of Real Play, "It provided a vehicle for people to comment on someone else's behaviours. It also worked as a team awareness exercise. Overall I would suggest combining both techniques (rather than just selecting one or the other)".
In terms of limits, "We can't keep wheeling in experts. If there are tools we can use to keep this front of mind, we need to use them, because we are not all good at this". Mike suggested constant communication strategies (eg through newsletters), allocating a dedicated resource, supporting diversity champions and integrating rewards into a recognition programme. Mike observed "Some sceptics said 'where to from here?', but I think it's the responsibility of all of us (to build on the training)".
Q: What have you learnt?
A: "The important thing is you have to prepare the organisation and senior leaders (before doing the training). It's a commitment and the organisation has to be ready and not just want to tick a box to say 'we've done that' - It's also important for the facilitator and the group to connect. So we talked to others with similar group profiles about the facilitators beforehand. It gives you a higher strike rate". Plus enabling the facilitator to "meet with key influencers ahead of the training (allows the facilitator to understand the group)".
E-learning
Flex-e is a comprehensive workplace flexibility training e-learning tool for managers. Click here for a five minute demonstration of Flex-e or here to view a brochure with more information about e-learning.
Our on-line Appropriate Workplace Behaviour programme covers EEO, discrimination and harassment.
Feedback from our clients:
"We have recognised that flexibility is a business imperative. Our focus has been to build the confidence and confidence of our people managers to leverage flexible work practices to support the needs of our people as well as the needs of our business. Flex-e is a fantastic tool to support this goal and has helped us to make flexibility a reality."
Sharon Caffel, HR Business Partner, Pfizer Australia
