GroupM has partnered with Amaze, an organisation committed to creating an autism-inclusive Australia, as it looks to progress the Disability Action Plan (DAP) it launched a year ago as part of its Diversity, Equality and Inclusion programme.

The partnership with Amaze was initiated in 2023 to support the development of the A-Plus Inclusion programme, which provides organisations and teams with practical strategies to create a more inclusive workplace culture and environment. GroupM is now one of the first companies in Australia to roll out a pilot of the programme.

"Our Better For All DEI Strategy is about identifying areas of improvement across all dimensions of diversity and then developing plans and partnerships that solve for these areas and shape policies, programmes, and behaviours that create an equitable workplace that celebrates diversity of all kinds," said GroupM Chief People Officer, Scott Laird.

Amaze and GroupM were introduced through EssenceMediacom Performance Manager and Amaze A-Plus advisory board member, Gordon Geraghty, who is neurodivergent and autistic himself.

"When I first received my diagnosis, it with negative expectations. But it was also liberating. Being open about my neurodiversity at GroupM has helped me and others feel safe and welcomed. I’ve volunteered with Amaze for many years now, and I’m really proud that together that we have created a pilot programme that will support both neurodivergent individuals and organisations to establish inclusive hiring processes and accessible workplaces where they can succeed," said Geraghty.

Amaze Chief Change Officer, Alexandra Lazarus-Priestley, said: "Over the past year and a half, we've been deeply engaged with both the Autistic and business communities to develop a program that empowers managers and People & Culture teams to drive meaningful change for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals at work. What's even better about this? We know that what supports neurodivergent people at work often benefits everyone. Let's make work environments better for all."

This partnership and the roll-out of the A-Plus Inclusion pilot programme were kicked off during an event at GroupM's Melbourne campus this week, coinciding with Neurodiversity Celebration Week. It's estimated that 1 in 6 people in Australia have a disability, while only 48% of working-age people (15-64) with a disability are employed, compared to 80% without a disability.

GroupM's DAP was launched in 2023, outlining 16 action points aimed at making GroupM more accessible and inclusive for people living with disabilities. Now in its second year, GroupM has completed seven of the action points and has five more in progress, with several longer-term actions in motion.