Hachette Australia recognised as Best Place to Work by Australian Financial Review Boss Magazine

Hachette Australia is delighted to announce its second-year inclusion in this year’s AFR BOSS Best Places to Work Awards. In the 2024 Awards, Hachette Australia secured a second place ranking in the Retail, Hospitality, Tourism & Entertainment, and Technology category. This is an advancement from the seventh place ranking in the same category received last year.

Published annually by The Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine, these Awards recognise pioneering workplaces in Australia and New Zealand that foster adaptability and agility. In 2024, over 600 organisations submitted for the awards, with up to ten organisations shortlisted for each of the ten categories.

Assessment for the Awards is made up of a staff survey and a written submission, with questions relating to policies, practices and programs that exist within organisations that support and get the best out of employees. The methodology is underpinned by a Workplace of the Future framework developed by Inventium, Australia’s leading behavioural science and innovation consultancy, which identifies ten key factors critical to employees feeling motivated and engaged at work.

In 2024, Hachette Australia was recognised for the following:

• The introduction of new and updated inclusive policies, including the Neurodiversity Policy and Menopause Policy, that promote a safe and supportive environment for all employees.
• The expansion of the Parental Leave Policy to include broader definitions within leave categories to better reflect a diverse workforce, with additional benefits including IVF Leave, Birth Support Leave, and Miscarriage Leave.
• The introduction of Pregnancy and Baby Loss Guidelines to help employees understand the extra support available if required, promote open dialogue, foster a sense of community, and provide a platform for education and understanding.
• The strengthening the Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, and Complaints and Grievances Policy to outline Hachette’s continued commitment to preventing unacceptable behaviour, supporting those affected by discrimination, bullying, or harassment, and addressing any incidents in the workplace.
• Louise Stark, CEO of Hachette Australia, says: ‘The AFR BOSS Best Place to Work Awards recognise businesses and organisations that go above and beyond their statutory requirements, and think deeply about the unique needs of their people. Securing second place in our category, with a workforce of around 75% women, underscores our commitment to implementing HR policies to support women in the workplace. These include policies addressing menopause, stillbirth, and birth partners, alongside enhanced flexibility for all employees to enable equitable distribution of domestic responsibilities and help eliminate barriers to career advancement.’