Diversity, Belonging and Wellbeing

Diversity & Belonging

At Simpson Grierson we celebrate the fact that everyone is different. We encourage you to bring your whole-self to work and we believe that diversity enhances our business.

Our focus is to ensure Simpson Grierson is a place where people have every opportunity to succeed on their merits. Diversity alone is not enough. We want our people to feel included with a sense of belonging and purpose to be comfortable expressing ideas, sharing experiences and contributing knowing their input is valued.

Our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee has 22 representatives from all walks of life and across all areas of the business. Our committee plays an important role in setting the diversity and belonging strategy for the firm each year, and getting key initiatives off the ground such as:

Flexibility

Our people have flexibility in their role, their leave, their day and their work place. We offer:

• A flexible hybrid working policy that covers flexible work hours, working from home, leave of absences, part-time and job-sharing options
• First class technology systems which allow full access to remote working anywhere
• Flexi leave, allowing you to acquire additional holiday leave
• ‘Simpson Grierson day’ - an additional day of leave every year
• Immediate recognition rewards to show our appreciation for going the extra mile.

Wellbeing support to Thrive

We prioritise having a safe and healthy workplace environment.

Our wellbeing programme has a strong emphasis on positive mental health, and provides the tools and resources for our people to thrive, achieve balance, and connect with each other. 

Support includes:

• Generous sick-leave (up to an extra 10 days), equality across remuneration, and leadership development.
• Mental health leave being included in our definition of sick leave.
• Specially trained THRIVE Champions in place across the business.
• An annual wellbeing payment of $500 to put towards your health, sport or wellbeing goals.
• A $400 tech payment when you start with us to help get your home set-up sorted.
• Free independent counselling services through our employee assistance program.
• Discounted health insurance, free flu vaccinations, free occupational therapist assessments, an on-site gym facility in Auckland, and gym membership subsidies.
• A comprehensive wellness programme with regular seminars and workshops on topics like mindfulness, resilience, sleep, health and well-being.
• Active support of our internal communities through our ‘SG Connect’ networks.
• Support is made available for domestic violence.

Cultural diversity support

• Paid internships for students from Ngāi Tahu iwi, and through the Tupu Toa programme.
• Public holiday swaps to recognise difference religious holidays.
• Ngā Mātāpono o Te Reo Māori – Our Te Reo Māori Principles, which provide a framework for our ongoing te reo Māori initiatives as we find new ways to embrace and integrate te reo Māori into daily activity.
• Established action groups to advance initiatives supporting our Māori & Pasifika, Asian, Christian, Muslim, Women, neuro diverse, caregiver, and LGBTTQIA+ groups. 

Parenting support

• Top-up to full pay for 26 weeks for eligible primary caregivers, or 12 weeks’ full pay for eligible primary caregivers after the first 26 weeks.
• KiwiSaver employer contribution paid throughout your parental leave.
• Annual leave payments paid at your normal pay.
• Paid partner’s leave.
• Three months’ paid adoption/whāngai leave.
• A wellness programme which includes parenting topics and an active network group of new parents.

Connection and community 

Connecting with people helps to strengthen and broaden social networks, and it’s really important for our wellbeing. We support this at Simpson Grierson by:

• Having social clubs in each office who put on lunches, sporting events, and other social events
• Participating in awareness days and activities (Pink Shirt Day, Blue September, Mental Health Awareness Week)
• Mentoring Year 8 students at Ōrākei School
• Working with Youthline as our main community partner for the last 16 years in their mission to foster leadership and personal skills in young people.
• Staying whānau-focussed: every year we host a children's Christmas party, colouring competitions, coffee groups and parents’ networking events.