International Women's Day is recognised the world over in celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. We've come a long way as a society since then.
Whilst our industry may traditionally be considered male-oriented, we think of ourselves as a customer service industry and we are working towards showing women the benefits of working for Kennards Hire. In recent years, we've seen an increase in the number of females working in our branches across a range of roles (which we are really proud of!). Amongst other initiatives, we have equal pay and benefits, we've introduced our paid Parental Leave Policy which is gender neutral, offers a flexible return to work from parental leave and we have recently introduced a Working Flexibly Policy for support roles. Being a values driven company we continue to look for ways to encourage more women into both our business and industry.
We're extremely proud to share what some of the women in our business have to say about working with Kennards Hire and the supportive environment they experience every day.
"Kennards Hire has given me the opportunity to have a career and pride within my job. There are no limitations on what I can achieve and do. The sky is the limit!"
Sian P. Assistant Branch Manager, Silverdale, New Zealand
"What I love about Kennards Hire is how we are one big family! The support I have had joining Kennards has been amazing coming from a hospitality background with no knowledge I am learning so much. And I am looking forward to growing my future and career with Kennards."
Toni S, Service Person Driver, Invercargill, New Zealand
"Kennards Hire is not just another company, but also an Australian family who invests wholeheartedly in the team, whether it’s through training, flexibility and understanding, or even a simple acknowledgement. There are many opportunities to grow and learn, and if you’re up for it – to help drive this growing business."
Fi A, Digital Marketing Manager, Group Support Office
"What I enjoy most about working for Kennards Hire is the family orientated environment I am constantly surrounded in. I have always been encouraged and supported to advance my career not only within the business but with personal growth in which I am forever thankful for."
Jordan D, Hire Controller, Hamilton, New Zealand
"I love the team spirit and comradery that we have working at Kennards Hire. The flexible working arrangements have made my life easy coming back to work after maternity leave."
Angela M, Graphic Designer, Group Support Office
"Kennards Hire is a genuinely supportive employer on a personal and professional level, which makes it a great place to work."
Lisa von B, People & Culture Manager, Group Support Office
"Never have I worked for a Company like Kennards Hire. Since starting three years ago, I have been supported by my Area Manager and my Branch Manager to take on growth I never thought I was capable of. I was appointed Assistant Branch Manager and was lucky enough to be selected attend the Extend Programme, for Emerging Leaders. As a woman in hire which is predominantly male orientated business, I have always been treated with respect and love coming to work."
Phillipa C, Assistant Branch Manager, Christchurch City, New Zealand
"What I most enjoy about working for Kennards Hire is watching the career progression and support that is provided for all our staff to grow, learn and develop."
Donna B, Learning & Development Coordinator, Group Support Office
"A woman who knows her worth is powerful. A company that embraces and encourages it is unstoppable. This is my experience with Kennards Hire."
Joanne C, Hire Controller, Karratha, Western Australia
"Kennards Hire has supported me from day 1, starting as a Service Person Driver, within 15 months I moved to Assistant Branch Manager and a short three months later to Branch Manager Traffic Division NZ. I am the 1st Female Branch Manager for New Zealand which is an amazing accomplishment and the support has been astounding. I hope to see more Women in Kennards and see more women moving into Management/Upper Management in the near future."
Natalie O. Branch Manager Traffic, New Zealand
"I love working for Kennards Hire because we know that to deliver amazing customer experiences, means delivering amazing people experiences."
Sally C, General Manager, People & Culture, Group Support Office
"What I enjoy about most about Kennards Hire is that no two days are the same, learning to operate equipment that I thought I’d never be able to use and all the support I have from my co-workers around the country."
Corrie Van E, Hire Controller, Winnellie, Northern Territory
"I love working for Kennards Hire. I feel I’m never held back. Whatever direction I want to head in, Kennards has always supported my growth. In a male dominated industry, I was a little nervous to start with. Now I have the confidence to show anyone who walks in how to use any of the equipment they need."
Sophie P. Service Person Driver, Wigram, New Zealand
"The thing I love most about working at Kennards Hire is the work environment and the people that I work with."
Margot S, Casual Service Person Driver, Fyshwick, ACT
"A true Family vibe, the Kennards Hire values are not just words on a wall but are living breathing values that are considered in every aspect of the company. From career progression, to educational support, to working flexibly ensuring people have the work life balance required, I have never felt more supported as a career woman and a mother of two, than I do at Kennards Hire."
Manelle M, General Manager, Marketing & Customer Experience, Group Support Office
For more information about International Women's Day, visit the website.