Australia Post Annual Report 2008–09

Employment by occupation
%
Administration 10.8%
Mail delivery 42.6%
Mail processing 16.3%
Other (incl. parcels, technical,
logistics) 7.0%
Retail outlet manager 3.2%
Retail 13.0%
Transport 7.1%
Employee turnover
(five-year comparison)
15
10
5
0
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
9.5
2008–09
A more complete account of
Australia Post’s people management
policies and performance is included
in the corporate responsibility report
that is being released in conjunction
with this annual report. Our corporate
responsibility report can be viewed
online at: auspost.com.au/cr
Our people
People management
The people employed by the postal service have shown an unyielding commitment to serving the
Australian community throughout the past 200 years. At Australia Post today, we are constantly
seeking to repay the dedication of our staff by creating a safe, harmonious and rewarding
work environment.
Over recent decades, we have developed a range of policies and programs that are designed
to promote a progressive industrial relations environment; proactive management of occupational
health and safety; a strong commitment to diversity; structured workplace learning; and effective
grievance procedures.
Workforce composition
The total number of people working at Australia Post increased slightly during the year to
35,509 – up 0.7 per cent on last year. At 30 June 2009, we employed 25,149 full-time staff
and 10,360 part-time staff.
The small increase in staff this year was mainly due to growth in mail delivery requirements
(because of the expanding number of delivery points) and additional work in the IT Group
(as the result of a major IT transition project).
Age management
Like many other Australian businesses, Australia Post has an ageing workforce, which presents
us with ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining the staff and skills needed to sustain our
operations. For this reason, we have adopted a multifaceted age management strategy, which
is aimed at creating a flexible workplace that offers genuine opportunities for learning and
career progression.
Following several years of steadily increasing staff turnover, the trend was reversed in 2008–09,
with staff turnover falling to 9.5 per cent (down from 12.3 per cent last year). This change reflects
the fact that our business is regarded as a secure employer during a period of rising unemployment.
Diversity and equal opportunity
With some 135 nationalities represented in our workplaces, we acknowledge that business
performance and productivity are enhanced when equitable employment practices are promoted
and individual difference is valued. Our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse
workplace is enshrined in our Workforce Diversity Business Strategy 2008–2011.
In 2008–09, the representation of women in our workforce remained relatively consistent at
40.1 per cent of all staff (40.3 per cent last year). Indigenous Australians employed or undertaking
traineeships comprise 1.7 per cent of all employees (1.7 per cent last year), and people with
disabilities make up 8.4 per cent of our workforce (8.5 per cent last year). The proportion of staff
from non-English-speaking backgrounds increased to 22.6 per cent (up from 22.1 per cent last year).
Diversity profile at 30 June 2009
Number of employees Proportion of all employees %
Total staff 35,509 100
Men
Women
Indigenous Australians*
People with disabilities
People from non-English-speaking backgrounds
*Includes 33 trainees.
21,274
14,235
605
2,983
8,036
59.9
40.1
1.7
8.4
22.6
Australia Post Annual Report 2008–09 | Report of operations 39