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.
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As part of our 2024 NAIDOC celebrations the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Associate Resource Group (ARG) held a photography competition for Associates to submit a photo of a place of significance for them or their family. This was to recognise the profound spiritual connection that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land as a place of belonging, a way of connecting to culture and an integral part of self-identity.
To celebrate NAIDOC week 2024, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Associate Resource Group (ARG) welcomed Sarai and Amy from Wanyara and Brandon from Wildlife Xposure to our Melbourne office.
Last week, Associates in Aotearoa gathered for a morning tea to celebrate Matariki 2024. This celestial event symbolises the closure of the old year and the dawn of the new.
Mars in Aotearoa NZ is delighted to be re-accredited by Rainbow Tick as a safe and inclusive rainbow employer for 2024 🌈
It was an absolute honour to welcome Judy Small (AM) to our Melbourne office as a part of our ongoing Pride Month celebrations at Mars ANZ. Judy is known as the Grande Dame of Australian Folk Music, is Member of the Order of Australia, was a family lawyer and a Judge with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. She is now the Chair of the Midsumma Festival, the largest LGBTQ+ arts festival in Asia Pacific
The Mars team in Auckland welcomed former All Black, Campbell Johnstone as part of our Pride Month celebrations. Campbell shared his story of making history when he became the first openly gay All Black. A move that truly set him apart as a leader and role model with a message of courage, resilience and inclusivity.
‘Inspirational’, ‘Resilience’, ‘Courage’, ‘Perspective’, ‘Completely blown away’– were just some of the reactions to our Cross Cultural Associate Resource Group (ARG) Refugee Week event hosted by GM sponsor Jeremy Sassoon, with special guest Mursal Sadat.
Associates in Mars Aotearoa (New Zealand) Auckland were excited to receive two significant artworks by renowned artists Hikurangi Edwards and Tim Codyre – each commissioned to enhance the office space and reinforce the principles of tikanga.
The DiverseAbilities ARG celebrated Neurodiversity Week by curating a wealth of materials to help Associates learn more about the topic, with a focus on the postiive aspects of being neurodivergent.
The ANZ Inclusion & Diversity Leadership team came together in Melbourne for a High Performance Collaboration Workshop. The team reworked our core purpose and discussed how to ensure an intersectional approach across all diversity pillars. They also spent time volunteering at 'Meals With Impact' a social enterprise supporting migrant women.
To recognise the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, our Cross Cultural ARG asked Associates to share their best team engagement initiatives to bring to life the purpose of promoting an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and perspective is enriched through cross-cultural representation and education.
Count her in! For International Women's Day Mars ANZ invited Molly Benjamin, ower of 'Ladies Finance Club' and author of 'Girls Just Wanna Have Funds' to share her knowledge and advice with our Associates.
The Wellness Room in Melbourne Australia is a new space that has been designed for Associates, by Associates, and brings to life our ambition to create an inclusive, accessible and supportive office environment for all.
Royal Canin Australia & New Zealand Associates were thrilled to welcome Te Hau Tawhiti to be part of opening our conference on the Gold Coast (RC on the GC)
Thankyou so much to Aimee Matiu for coming to Mars’ Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) office to ground Associates in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
2024 is off to a great start with Mars Australia achieving Bronze Tier Status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Foundation Submission!
For International Day of People with Disability we welcomed Jemima Howe (daughter of Mars Associate John Howe) to discuss how she lives with Stickler Syndrome and Seamus Evans - TV host, radio personality, comedian and ambassador for Tourette Syndrome Australia.
Our ANZ Cross Cultural ARG invited Associates to share family recipes (and their associated family stories) to include in our inaugural Mars ANZ Recipe Book – ‘Connecting With Food’ to encourage the celebration of cultural diversity.
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)