Working at Microsoft: 2009 Diversity@Work Awards

People often ask me what it is like to work at Microsoft. Many are often as surprised as I was to find out how much they supported my Work/Life balance needs, especially ensuring that I get the time I need with my son. This was one of my greatest concerns with accepting the role as it is especially important to me. However, once I started, the flexible start & finish times that fit around my son’s daycare hours and the extensive support of remote work to allow me to work from home when necessary are invaluable & give me all the flexibility I need.

There is also a strong culture that supports Diversity – one of the things I am particularly passionate about so it is also very important to me.

With this in mind I was not surprised to hear that Microsoft Australia has been recognised for its commitment to diversity by winning two awards at the 2009 Diversity@Work awards last week.

We won both the Women in Leadership & the Work Life Balance categories.

The Work Life Balance category was awarded for Microsoft’s progress in making work something that you do and not a place you go. The submission highlighted the Working Flexibly initiative, which includes purchasing additional annual leave, leave without pay, career breaks, remote work, part time, job share and flexible start and finish times. All of these make balancing a toddler & full time work – actually possible!

In reference to the Women in Leadership, the judges said, “Microsoft Australia's focus to address the gender gap, experienced across all IT companies, has proven to make a difference. The company’s strategy is all encompassing and strongly integrated through HR. Good goals are set for women and are well communicated throughout the organisation.”

All in All – it makes Microsoft Australia a great place to work!