In the world we want tomorrow, society is inclusive and diverse
At Mars, we know that our strength lies in embracing and celebrating the unique perspectives, talents, and experiences of all Associates. By valuing and harnessing the power of diverse voices and perspectvies, we foster innovation, strengthen our community, and create a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
We believe inclusion invites diversity and that every Associate should feel supported to proudly express who they are. Together, we are building a future that is inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all.
Associate Resource Groups
Our Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) are groups of passionate volunteers who work with our Inclusion & Diversity Leader to champion inclusion and foster a diverse and inclusive work culture for everyone. Mars has six ARGs across Australia and New Zealand, each of which plays a vital role in creating a sense of belonging and community in the workplace and also in contributing the voice of lived experience (and allyship) to our I&D strategy. Our ARGs are always welcoming of new members who want to help make a difference.
Gender Equality
At Mars we strive to create an inclusive environment that fosters equal opportunities for Associates of all genders. We actively promote and support initiatives that empower women and underrepresented genders, ensuring their voices are heard and their talents are recognized at every level of our organization. Our ‘Wom+n of Mars’ Associate Resource Group (ARG) strives to ‘Inspire change that empowers Wom+n to show up personally and professionally as their best selves, to strive courageously towards their goals and to thrive in the absence of gender-based assumptions’.
LGBTQ+ Empowerment
At Mars we firmly believe that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression should not impact the right of every Associate to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are. Our goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive workplace by ensuring that all Associates feel empowered to freely bring their authentic selves to work. Our Pride ARG works together with our Skittles brand, to partner with LGBTQ+ youth charity Minus18 to create an active allyship movement called ‘During Pride Only One Rainbow Matters’.
DiverseAbilities
At Mars we are dedicated to providing a barrier-free workplace for Associates with diverse abilities. By respecting the unique needs of Associates with diverse abilities, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our DiverseAbilities ARG is working to ensure that our office and factory locations are fully accessible to everyone and are also encouraging business leaders to complete ‘Disability Confidence in the Workplace’ training. Together the ARG is working to foster a culture that values the diverse abilities and perspectives of all.
Te Whakakotahitanga Māori
In New Zealand our vision is to acknowledge, celebrate and incorporate te ao and te reo into how we do business at Mars. In a vibrant display of unity and cultural diversity, the recent Mars New Zealand Conference kicked off with a captivating Mihi Whakatau ceremony for all Associates. This ceremonious welcome combined with ongoing language and cultural inclusion not only exemplifies our deep respect for the mana whenua but also showcases our unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation
Mars was proud to launch our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in early 2023. Our vision is to develop long-term, beneficial and reciprocal partnerships with First Nations Peoples in ways that are respectful, inclusive and culturally appropriate. Our RAP details the actions we will take to authentically engage with and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whilst deepening Mars Associates’ understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, languages and beliefs.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
At Mars we embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that our employees bring from around the world. We believe that a diverse range of perspectives fuels innovation and creativity. By fostering a culture of cross-cultural collaboration, we aim to create an environment where all employees can learn from and appreciate each other's backgrounds and experiences. Our Cross Cultural ARG is currently creating a Mars ANZ Associate Recipe Book which focuses on family connections and the sharing of stories through food.
Life Inclusion
At Mars creating a healthy workplace sits at the heart of everything we do. Our Associates can work from home, access flexible hours and explore part-time and other options. Flexibility and finding the right working balance is something we prioritise every day, because in doing so we know that we can create an environment where everyone can flourish. Becoming a new parent is a particularly special time and all Associates who welcome a new child (including those in same sex and gender diverse families) can access 16 weeks paid parental leave in the way that best supports their family.
Hear2Help Ambassadors
Our team of over 40 ANZ Hear2Help Ambassadors are trained Mental Health First Aiders who act as confidential ‘safe place’ local confidants for Associates who need assistance for an I&D or mental health issue but are not comfortable seeking this through more formal channels. The team is equipped to have confidential and candid conversations with Associates and can help refer them to appropriate support services both internally and externally. Our vision is to ensure that Mars is a safe and inclusive environment for all Associates and that everyone has someone to turn to.
Follow our Inclusion and Diversity Updates
Follow us : Mars Linkedin
#proudlymars #inclusionanddiversity #yourtomorrowstartstoday
For Women's Health Week our Wom+n of Mars ARG welcomed Luke Morris, CEO & Founder of Liptember, and led discussions around the intricacies of mental health and the unique challenges women face in this space.
This week our Aotearoa Leadership Team and Te Whakakotahitanga Māori Team had the incredible privilege of spending two days on Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae immersing themselves in Te Reo me ona Tikanga (Māori language and protocols) and Te Ao Māori (Māori ways of life)
Mars ANZ celebrated Wear it Purple Day by hearing from four Associates about their unconditional support and love for their rainbow children. We finished up our celebrations with prizes for ‘who wore purple best' and purple donuts in each location.
Te Whakakotahitangi Māori ARG came together for an offsite hui. The day started with a waka ama (outrigger canoe) session on Waitemata Harbour to symbolise the group ‘getting on board’ with the ARG.
Mars Associates in Aotearoa, New Zealand, took part in a celebration for Matariki 2023, a prominent star cluster that rises in midwinter, and for many Māori heralds the start of the new year.
Mars Associates and their children took part in NAIDOC celebrations in Melbourne and Wodonga to celebrate the rich history and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This week we welcomed Nic Newling to launch our Hear2Help Ambassador program in ANZ. Nic is a public advocate for mental health, suicide preventation and sharing personal stories.
June is shaping up to be a HUGE month for Inclusion and Diversity events at Mars Australia and New Zealand with three inspirational events happening over the last three weeks.