The Body Shop Australia is implementing Open Hiring for its in-store seasonal employment.
The Open Hiring program removes barriers for those who have been excluded from work through the elimination of background checks, screening and education requirements.
Instead, The Body Shop Australia applicants will be asked to answer three simple questions, with the opportunity being offered to candidates in order of application.
- Are you legally authorized to work in Australia?
- Can you lift up to 11kgs and work an eight-hour shift in one day?
- Are you happy to work with customers? (not a disqualifier)
The Body Shop partners in Open Hiring program
In line with their inclusive hiring policy, The Body Shop Australia is working with charity partners Launch Housing, Little Dreamers and Good Shepherd, and APM Employment Services in Australia to encourage those who have traditionally faced barriers to employment to apply.
Those who have experienced homelessness, single parents, young carers and First Nations.
This follows a successful trial of the Open Hiring program in partnership with inclusive hiring pioneer Greyston Bakery, in The Body Shop’s US stores and distribution centers.
The program saw 733 seasonal employees hired and lead to an improvement in overall retention, number of units per hour produced and an ability to fill all available positions.
Locally, up to 438 Christmas casual positions will be made available through seasonal employment in the company’s stores this year, including through Open Hiring.
The Body Shop plans to continue the Open Hiring scheme for the Christmas casuals program.
Comments on The Body Shop’s Open Hiring program
Bevan Warner, Chief Executive Officer at Launch Housing said, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Body Shop on their Open Hiring and Inclusive recruitment program.”
“The Body Shop are showing tremendous leadership with the open hiring initiative and we are hoping that it will create a ripple effect, inspiring more businesses to do the same.”
“This is real change in action as these opportunities will provide support to our clients who face discrimination and challenges securing employment because of the adversity.”
“Being offered an opportunity with The Body Shop allows our clients a platform to spring from in their employment journey, we know that this will not only build confidence, but also offer dignity and empowerment and can vastly improve their future employment outcomes.”
APM’s CEO for Employment Services in Australia, Karen Rainbow added, “An employer who is ready to see past a person’s challenges and accept them at face value is remarkable.”
“Open Hiring’s principles align with our values and we look forward to being an active partner.”
Michelle Nolan, Inclusion and Belonging Lead at The Body Shop Australia is optimistic.
“One of The Body Shop’s key principles is to be a business that’s a force for good and we’re proud to be removing employment barriers for those who may have been excluded from work.”
“Open Hiring focuses on a person’s potential rather than their history, and we’ve seen it can be a powerful way to find talented and loyal employees,” said Michelle Nolan.
“The program gives people equal opportunity and we look forward to working with our partner groups and the population to provide meaningful employment opportunities for Australians.”
The Open Hiring program is one in a range of initiatives from The Body Shop Australia.
Initiatives that drive the brand’s purpose to fight for a fairer and more beautiful world also include the implementation of a Living Wage for all employees.
This Christmas, the business will also be donating $55,000 from festive sales to Little Dreamers to support their work in driving positive change for Young Carers across Australia.
