Rio Tinto has released a progress report into a review of the mining giant’s workplace culture and, while positive change is being observed, CEO Jakob Stausholm has admitted “unacceptable and harmful” behaviours still exist. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Two years into a cultural change program brought about by a damning 2022 report, Rio Tinto has apologised to workplace bullying victims and admitted “unacceptable and harmful” behaviours remain within the organisation.
The mining giant, which employs 57,000 staff in 35 countries, released the Everyday Respect 2024 progress report on 21 November and while it shows progress is being made with “promising signs” of improved workplace culture, harmful behaviours remain a challenge, particularly for women and marginalised groups.
The initial and progress reviews were undertaken by former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, who said she had observed positive change in the two years between reviews.
“I applaud Rio Tinto’s continued leadership and commitment to transparency in driving cultural change,” she said.
“This is a significant undertaking in a global company with a growing and dynamic workforce, diverse roles and complex working environments.
“Two years on, the progress is evident and there is an ongoing commitment to this work.
“I am not surprised to see some areas where results haven’t improved – this is a normal part of the cultural change process; with sustained focus from Rio Tinto, we should expect to see the positive change spread over time.”
About 50 per cent of the 10,056 progress review survey respondents reported an improvement in relation to bullying, sexual harassment and racism in the workplace, however, 7 per cent said they had experienced sexual harassment and 39 per cent bullying in the past 12 months.
Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm apologised to victims and said the company would “stay the course” to bring about further improvement.
“People are still experiencing behaviours and attitudes in our company that are unacceptable and harmful,” he said.
“I am greatly troubled by this and sincerely apologise on behalf of our leadership team to anyone affected.
“I want to thank everyone across our business who has shown the courage to speak up, as your honesty will guide our ongoing efforts to become an organisation where every day is safe, respectful, and productive for everyone.
“The review … shows that while progress is being made, achieving the sustained change we want to see in our culture will require ongoing focus and effort.
“My message today is that we will stay the course.”
