The Body Shop Australia’s inclusive open hiring initiative has received three times as many applications in the first week as it did throughout the entire program in 2021*, and is calling on other Australian businesses to help them meet demand.
The program, the first of its kind in Australia, aims to remove barriers for those who have been excluded from work including those who have experienced homelessness, young carers, refugees, Australians with disabilities and First Nations Australians. It eliminates background checks, screening and education requirements, with applicants only needing to answer three simple questions.
The Body Shop has already received six applications for every available position, and the brand is now calling on Australian businesses to join them in adopting the employment practice.
The Body Shop brand and activism director for Asia Pacific, Shannon Chrisp said, “Over the past two years, we’ve seen the incredible impact that breaking down discriminatory barriers to employment can have. As a business, we’ve gained qualified and loyal employees, and participants have benefited from invaluable work experiences that have set them up for future employment.
“The demand we’ve seen over the past few weeks has been incredible, but it also shows that it’s never been more important for employers to rethink their hiring practices and open opportunities for those excluded from work. I welcome questions from any leaders or HR teams considering the move and looking for more information on how to make it work for them.”
In line with the company’s inclusive hiring policy, The Body Shop Australia is working with charity partners, APM Employment Services, Little Dreamers and Launch Housing, to encourage those who have traditionally faced barriers to employment to apply.
Locally, up to 485 Christmas casual positions will be made available through seasonal employment in the company’s stores this year through Open Hiring. Find out more here.
*The Body Shop received 4,600 applications in the first week after the 2023 scheme was announced on September 4th, compared to 1,200 from September to November in 2021.