Teams across Ritchies came together to mark this year’s Pink Shirt Day and show their support for safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces and communities.
From pink shirts and shared morning teas to depot displays and team activities, many of our Ritchies group teams around New Zealand embraced the day and its message: that we should speak up, stand together and stop bullying.
Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of looking out for one another and taking action when something does not feel right.
Teams are encouraged to think about what it means to be an upstander – someone who supports others, challenges bullying or discrimination and helps create an environment where everyone feels respected and included.
Ritchies Director of People, Safety and Culture, Sharon Scott, said the response from the drivers and others at many of our 30 plus depots, reflects the strong sense of community in the business.
“One of our core values is Putting People First. Respect, professionalism and looking out for one another are part of our culture. Pink Shirt Day gives us a positive way to bring those values to life and to remind newcomers to the team of what we stand for.”
In the lead up to the day, information and guidance is shared with employees on how to respond if they see any bullying or exclusion. This includes checking in with someone who may need support, safely interrupting inappropriate behaviour, calling out conduct that is not acceptable or seeking help from a manager or another trusted person.
The other aspect of Pink Shirt Day is getting together with pink-themed food, decorations and activities which creates space for conversation while supporting the wider kaupapa of Pink Shirt Day.
“It was great to see teams making the day their own. The photos show plenty of fun, but there is also an important message behind them,” Sharon said.
Above teams at Birkenhead, Swanson and Ritchies Director of People in the pink. Below row Ritchies in Whangarei also being upstanders.
Ritchies is proud to support Pink Shirt Day and the work of the Mental Health Foundation in promoting kindness, inclusion and positive action against bullying.
Funds raised for Pink Shirt Day provide free anti-bullying resources, support Rainbow youth, and deliver mental wellbeing programs in schools and workplaces.
Further information: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/get-involved/
Learn more about the culture at Ritchies here: https://www.ritchies.co.nz/people/ and you can view current vacancies across our group of companies on our Careers homepage.
