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One of the most important steps towards greater inclusion is ensuring leaders understand their influence and the "shadow" they cast, which can be difficult for them to see, an HR chief says.

Aurecon chief people officer Liam Hayes says the company's ability to design innovative bridges, buildings and public spaces relies on having diverse teams, which in turn relies on an inclusive culture.

He says Aurecon, which was recently named a Diversity Council Australia 'Inclusive Employer' for the second year running, uses four focus areas – leadership, policies, language and behaviours, and targets – to drive an inclusive culture.

The strategy starts with leadership, Hayes says, because it's leaders who role-model what it means to be inclusive...