Diversity and inclusion are among the top priorities for talent acquisition leaders. Did you know 67% of candidates want to join a diverse team (Glassdoor) and diverse companies are 70% more likely to report they captured a new market (Harvard Business Review)? In a Recruitment Marketing Magazine exclusive, we interviewed Christopher Rogan, Consulting Partner for multinational professional services network PwC, who shared how they bring their core values of diversity and inclusion to life. 

PwC’s purpose is to “build trust in society and solve important problems”. 

“Our purpose sits at the core of everything we do,” said Christopher Rogan, Consulting Partner at PwC. “I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do that every day in the role I have, leading our health consulting practice. It’s a sector that always provides opportunities to make a difference. That’s why we’re here.” 

Rogan has been with PwC for more than 13 years. When offered a role with PwC, he was attracted to the nature of the work and the opportunity to work with some of the world’s biggest brands. 

“We provide advice to individuals and major organisations to help them solve their most important problems and make a valuable difference. My role is in consulting and advisory, and I focus on the health sector broadly.” 

The global reputation of the PwC brand derives its value from the work they deliver to clients, which is, of course, done through their people. 

“There are many things we’ve done over the years to reinforce and focus on the value of our people. It’s something we try to ensure we’re doing every day.”  

PwC is focused on creating the best possible experience for its teams, offering opportunities for them to learn, grow, and explore areas in which they are looking to develop. It is also an environment that focuses on diversity and inclusiveness.  

51% of PwC people are women (partners 28%). 51% of PwC people have a diverse cultural background. 88% believe PwC is an inclusive work environment. 86% of PwC people currently use one or more types of flexibility. 

“Diversity and inclusiveness helps us to create the best value for clients. We can’t deliver great work in a homogenous environment. Having diversity in our organisation allows us to have variety in our thinking and solve those difficult problems.” 

Interestingly, PwC submits short surveys to their people on a weekly basis to gauge their experience, so it can understand what their people are thinking and feeling, and potentially manage any areas that require attention. 

“Our clients have high expectations, and we have high expectations of ourselves. But that is never at the expense of creating the right experience for our teams.” 

For PwC, part of creating the best environment for teams involves fostering a healthy workplace. Both the Brisbane and Melbourne offices have engaged in Tour de Office, a week-long interoffice cycling event, for the past two years. 

“Both our offices participate in the event around the same time, which creates some friendly rivalry!”  

During the event, PwC has raised funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, of which Rogan is president of the advisory board.  

 “It’s important to bring a different set of experiences or initiatives for our teams to participate in and connect with. The Starlight Foundation provides such a valuable role in the lives of sick children and their families. They offer them opportunities that allow them to just be kids. Tour de Office is such a great way for our people to get behind the cause and show their support. At the same time, they can get fit and healthy, without having to commit a huge amount of time, as it’s only a half-hour ride in the office on a stationary bike.” 

There are many initiatives that bring PwC together as a group, but people universally get behind the Tour de Office event in particular. 

“We run it over one week and celebrate at the end of the week. We’re a big group, so it’s something we can do together and have fun. We set up two stationary bikes in the office, and our people often to their half-hour rides together. Of course, there’s some friendly competition with our Melbourne office. But that makes it more fun!” 

In creating a great environment for the event, PwC sets up bikes in some of the creative spaces they have in their offices. 

 “Tour de Office makes the event really easy. They provide a volunteer to motivate riders, provide water and snacks, and record times. It’s a fun environment! We all gather around for the last rider, then we host an awards presentation. For example, awards for staff members who rode the most, or raised the most funds.” 

The event has fostered inclusion and improved and focused Rogan’s team.  

“During certain events, some people feel as if they can’t or don’t want to participate. But this half-hour event is designed so that it’s easy for everyone to participate, to take the time for themselves and the cause. 

“The first year we ran the event, I was nervous that people wouldn’t get behind it. However, lots of people signed up and the event ran really well. It grew bigger the following year. It’s been great to see people recognising what a great event it is, seeing the worth for both themselves and the charity.” 

The connection the event creates across the business between individuals, teams and offices, reinforces PwC’s culture of collaboration and working together – which is, in fact, one of their values. 

PwC’s values form a core part of their identity. In fact, PwC offers its people and leadership teams incentives to donate their time and skills to choose initiatives that give back to their community. 

The organisation also supports reconciliation, recently launching their Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan 2019 – 2023, sharing their commitment to promoting reconciliation and reducing inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

 PwC values creating a diverse and inclusive culture to represent the diversity of their clients and the Australian community. Its aim is to support all its people to reach their full potential.  

“Everyone has their own causes they want to support, and that support doesn’t necessarily mean offering financial support alone. It can be through offering our time and expertise. These are things we can do together.” 

How does your organisation bring your values to life? Share a comment below. 

Interested in getting your organisation involved in Tour de Office? Contact Helen@tourdeoffice.com or on 0429 347 417.

For more information about what Tour de Office can do for your organisation, visit the Tour de Office website.