Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Australia

Australia has one of the most multicultural workforces in the world. Australians come from over 232 countries and speak over 200 languages. Also, there are an estimated 250 Indigenous languages that are spoken. 2.5 million people speak a language other than English at home.

The vast array of cultures, religions and languages that are represented in Australia include immigrants and Australian-born people. Twenty-five percent of the population was born overseas and 27% of Australian-born people have at least one parent who was born overseas. The largest growth in religious affiliation in Australia has been in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism.

This diversity serves to strengthen the Australian population as well as the Australian workplace. Culturally diverse workplaces have more potential to solve problems due to the greater number of perspectives and increased number of options, alternatives and creative solutions generated.

Having a more Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) workforce enables organisations to reach a larger marketplace that reflects the changing Australian population. Organisations are tapping into their CALD workforce to respond to the needs of a multilingual and multicultural marketplace, by creating multilingual call centers, encouraging employees to use languages other than English when working with clients, and by developing links with CALD communities.

Companies are recognising the financial benefits of a CALD workforce. By using internal talent, companies save money by contracting less external translators and experience the financial effects of extending their accessible market. In addition, employees feel appreciated and valued for their uniqueness that increases morale and creates an organisational culture that is supportive of difference.