The focus of firms and organisations on their people was a significant factor in their recognition
The COVID-19 response and D&I initiatives of firms and organisations were major factors in their recognition at the 2021 New Zealand Law Awards.
ANZ Bank New Zealand GC and company secretary and awards judge David Bricklebank said that how award nominees handled the pandemic was “a focus for me, in terms of the way they looked after their staff, customers and other stakeholders.”
“It was evident that members of the profession have continued to provide exceptional services to their clients and remain focused on delivering outstanding results, despite the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19,” fellow judge Oceania Healthcare group GC Anna Thorburn said.
Nonetheless, the pandemic didn’t take away from the importance of diversity and inclusion to the legal profession. In addition to championing representation across age, gender, ethnicity and religious beliefs, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year award winner Simpson Grierson also highlighted Māori representation with the launch of its Ngā Mātāpono o te reo Māori – the firm’s te reo Māori Principles initiative in 2020.
People and culture director Jo Stevenson explained that the initiative involves te reo lessons for staff. The firm also shared its intention to normalise employees’ use of te reo Māori.
“Celebrating our differences helps us appreciate the things we all hold in common and creates a workplace that people love being part of,” she said. “In order to attract and retain talent, it’s crucial to have a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.”
Simpson Grierson also amped up benefits to employees overall with the introduction of a $500 wellness benefit and five additional sick days.
