Since its inception in 1922, Standards Australia has been a beacon of excellence, shaping the landscape of safety, quality, and innovation across various industries. This premier non-government, not-for-profit standards organisation has a profound vision and mission: to be a global leader in trusted solutions that improve life today and tomorrow and to empower communities.

Standards Australia’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. From its founding in 1922, where it laid the groundwork for Australia’s progress, to the creation of the first Australian Standard™ that dictated the materials used on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the organisation has been at the forefront of standards development.

Standards Australia has developed and published over 15,000 standards, collaborating with employees and thousands of industry experts. These standards establish safety and quality specifications, helping to ensure that products, services, and systems are safe, consistent and reliable for all Australians.

At the heart of Standards Australia lies a robust organisational structure that fosters collaboration, expertise and inclusivity. The organisation is governed by a Board of six Directors who work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and five Chief Officers to plan and steer the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Standards Australia has made many significant contributions to the industry recently, participating in the Responsible AI Network (RAIN), jointly creating the Hydrogen tool ‘HyStandards’, and developing standards in the Digital Engineering and Critical Emerging Technologies (CET) spaces.

Several factors underpin Standards Australia’s success: Collaboration, Adaptability, Public Trust, and Impact. The organisation’s ability to bring diverse stakeholders together fosters standards development. Embracing change, staying ahead of technological advancements and societal shifts, commitment to transparency and inclusivity, and tangible outcomes drive its purpose.

Standards Australia’s iCARE (Integrity, Courage, Acountability, Respect and Excellence) values are the bedrock of its success, acting as the guiding principles that shape employee interactions and behaviours. These values are the pillars of Standards Australia’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and ensuring a positive customer experience.

Recognising that its success is driven by its workforce’s collective expertise, dedication and passion, Standards Australia prioritises attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent. The organisation launched its Women in Technology (WiT) program, dedicated to nurturing female technology leaders and attracting talent. This year-long journey was crafted to showcase successful role models, encourage goal setting, support career development and professional growth, share expertise and knowledge, and boost confidence and motivation.

Standards Australia has piloted a comprehensive development framework called “Grow, Engage, Thrive” (GET), designed to foster a holistic approach to professional development, health, and overall wellbeing. This framework is anchored on six core principles, centred upon goal setting and alignment, continuous feedback and coaching, performance evaluation, recognition and encouragement, career development, and review and future planning.

Enabling employees to achieve their full potential is a fundamental aspect of Standards Australia’s all-encompassing ‘Total Reward Strategy’ (TRS). The TRS aims to create a compelling Employee Value Proposition, crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. It emphasises factors beyond monetary rewards, acknowledging the holistic aspects that shape employees’ workplace satisfaction and engagement.

It is also committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace, with a particular focus on fair pay across the gender divide. In response to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) report highlighting gender pay gaps, Standards Australia initiated a comprehensive project to review significant discrepancies and formulate a plan for rectification.

Standards Australia’s ethos is that a safe and healthy workplace is the cornerstone of success. Its comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Plan is built on three pillars: cultivating a positive safety culture, building a resilient workplace, and proactive injury management.

Standards Australia has created a health and wellbeing calendar featuring an array of activities catering to various interests and needs. Their investment of over $25,000 in these initiatives underscores their commitment to prioritising their employees’ overall health and wellbeing.

To champion wellness, Standards Australia actively encourages employees to participate in two annual health assessments, flu vaccinations and skin checks, which are fully funded by the organisation.

The organisation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that prioritises its employees’ physical and psychological wellbeing. Through its Wellness Warriors Program, it empowers employees to deepen their understanding and receive support on physical and mental health wellbeing, cultivating greater awareness and understanding throughout the workplace.

Recognising the pivotal role of employee engagement, Standards Australia utilises regular organisational communication to reinforce employees’ understanding of its vision, mission, and values.

Standards Australia conducts an annual Employee Engagement Survey to understand employee satisfaction levels. Of the 76% of employees who completed the 2023 survey, engagement was rated at 77%, scoring above national and global benchmarks. 88% of respondents stated they were proud to work at Standards Australia, and 81% would recommend Standards Australia as a great place to work. 80% of respondents believe their work gives them a sense of personal accomplishment.

At the heart of Standards Australia’s achievements lies the loyalty, dedication, and support of its employees. Their collective efforts drive the organisation forward and ensure Standards Australia delivers its important work.

For information about Standards Australia, visit standards.org.au